7th Sunday of Luke
Sunday, October 28



The Holy Protection of the Theotokos
October 28
The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the early sixth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers.In the Greek tradition, this feast is celebrated on October 28, while in the Slavic tradition, this feast is celebrated on October 1.

Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved

Icon copyright St. Isaac of Syria Skete


Nicholas the New Martyr of Chios
October 31




Cosmas & Damian the Holy Unmercenaries of Asia, & their mother Theodota
November 1
These Saints were from Asia (that is, Asia Minor). After the death of their father, their Christ-loving mother Theodota reared them in piety and in all manner of virtue, and had them instructed in every science, especially that of medicine. This became their vocation, and they went about healing every illness and malady, bestowing healing freely on both men and beasts alike; because of this, they are called "Unmercenaries." And thus, having completed the course of their life, they reposed in peace.

Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved

Icon copyright St. Isaac of Syria Skete