St. Luke Orthodox Church welcomes people from all walks of life to experience Orthodox Christian worship, teaching, and fellowship.
The Orthodox Church is like one big, holy family of God, spread across the world.
The Orthodox Church: A Spiritual Family
The Orthodox Church sees itself as a spiritual family, with God as the Father. This creates a warm, familial atmosphere for believers.
In this family, the Most Holy Virgin Mary is the Mother, and the angels and saints are elder brothers who watch over and guide those on Earth.
Members of the church are seen as younger brothers and sisters, born into the family through the sacrament of baptism.
St. Luke Orthodox Church: Community and Worship
St. Luke Orthodox Church focuses on Christian love and compassion. They embrace and welcome anyone who wishes to join them in worship.
Currently, St. Luke is located at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The Sunday worship schedule includes morning prayer, the Divine Liturgy, fellowship, and a children’s ministry.
Daily Saints and Readings
Orthodox Christian websites like St. Luke’s often include a list of saints commemorated that day, as well as suggested scripture readings. Following these daily readings can help you connect with the broader Orthodox tradition and engage with your faith every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Orthodox accept the Apostles’ Creed?
While Orthodox Christians deeply respect the Apostles’ Creed as an ancient statement of faith, it isn’t typically used in our liturgical services. We primarily use the Nicene Creed, which we consider to be a more complete and authoritative expression of the Church’s core beliefs. The Apostles’ Creed reflects a Western theological tradition, while the Nicene Creed holds a more central place in Orthodox worship and doctrine.
Why don’t Orthodox accept the Pope?
The Orthodox Church doesn’t accept the Pope as having universal jurisdiction over the entire Christian Church. Historically, the Church was governed by a council of bishops, each having authority within their region. We believe the Pope’s claim to supreme authority oversteps this historical and conciliar model of Church governance. We respect the Pope as the Bishop of Rome, but not as the ultimate head of the Church.
What was the life of St. Luke Orthodox?
St. Luke, the Evangelist, was a physician and a companion of the Apostle Paul. He authored the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Tradition holds that St. Luke was Greek, a skilled painter, and a dedicated missionary. He is revered as a patron saint of physicians, surgeons, artists, and iconographers. His writings emphasize Christ’s compassion and concern for the marginalized.
In Summary
St. Luke Orthodox Church is a vibrant community that embodies the Orthodox Christian faith through worship, fellowship, and time-honored traditions.
If you’re curious to learn more about the Orthodox Church or St. Luke, you’re welcome to explore and discover what this ancient faith has to offer.