Apostle Luke the Evangelist Icon - S634

The Apostle and Evangelist Luke was not one of the Lord’s twelve original disciples. A Gentile physician from Antioch, he is counted among the Seventy Apostles. He was a follower of Saint Paul, and traveled with him and Saint Peter throughout the Mediterranean region. 

Under Paul’s supervision, Luke authored his Gospel about 15 years after the Ascension. As Luke had participated in the building of the early Church, he described those events in the Book of Acts, which he also wrote. Saint Luke’s Gospel is concerned with historical accuracy and carefully notes when events took place. His goal is to show that the salvation of Jesus Christ is universal and open to all people, not only the Jews. 

Saint Luke died a natural death at the age of 86 in Achaia in western Greece. His feast is celebrated on October 18.

This icon is from the Holy Doors of the Iconostasis at Saint Nicholas Cathedral. In it, Saint Luke is shown writing the beginning of his Gospel, with the words: “Many have undertaken…” (Luke 1:1).

Icon courtesy of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC. A portion of the sale of this icon is given to the Cathedral to support their ministry.