Apostle Luke (Koufos) Icon - S615

St. Luke was not one of the Twelve Apostles, but was one of the the four Evangelists. He was a Gentile, not a Jew, born in Antioch. He is known for being a physician. He became a disciple of St. Paul and he travelled with Paul and Peter through the Mediterranean area. Under Paul’s supervision, he wrote his Gospel through the years 62 and 63.  As Luke had participated in the building of the early church, he described those events in the Acts of the Apostles, which he also authored.

Because St. Luke was a Gentile and understood that others of his background might feel excluded from the Christian faith, he wrote his Gospel to show that salvation through Jesus is universal and open to all people. The Gospel of Luke is also concerned with historical accuracy and carefully notes when events took place.

Besides writing his Gospel and the Book of Acts, St. Luke evangelized in another very important way. He painted images of Mary the Theotokos, and of Sts. Peter and Paul. He can be called the first iconographer, and our icons today are based on his first paintings.  St. Luke died a natural death at the age of 86 in Achaia.

In the icon, he holds a Gospel and makes a blessing gesture with his hand.

This icon was painted by Fr. Theodore Koufos of blessed memory. Offered by permission.