October 18: what the feast of the Apostle Luke brings and what signs are important to know.

According to inkorr.com: On October 18, we celebrate the day of the Apostle and Evangelist Luke. This feast is dedicated to honoring one of the 70 apostles, who was the author of the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, and is also considered the first iconographer.

Religious holidays and their history

• Feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke

The feast of the Apostle Luke, who lived in the 1st century, is celebrated on October 18 in the Orthodox Church. Luke, born in Antioch in Syria, was a doctor and the patron of medical workers.

A disciple of the Apostle Paul, he accompanied him on missionary journeys. Although Luke did not meet Jesus personally, he collected testimonies from others to create the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. In his work, he emphasized mercy, love for one's neighbor, and the role of women in Christ's ministry. Luke is also considered the founder of iconography, and he is credited with creating the first image of the Holy Virgin.

Prayers of the day

O Holy Apostle and Evangelist of Christ Luke! We turn to you for mercy and healing for our souls and bodies. We ask for wisdom and protection for artists and doctors, who give praise to the Lord through their work.

Amen

Popular beliefs and signs

According to folk traditions, on October 18, one can predict the weather based on the following signs:

• Falling leaves are a sign of a harsh cold winter;
• Absence of snow promises a delay in winter;
• An onion eaten on this day is said to protect against diseases for the year.

It was also believed that October 18 is a good day for healing, since Luke, besides his apostolic ministry, was a physician.

The feast of the Apostle and Evangelist Luke on October 18 is celebrated not only in the church context but also in folk culture. People remember his mercy, love for one’s neighbor, and the important role of women in Christ's ministry. The signs of this day serve as a reminder of the connection between human affairs and nature, as well as the importance of health in the life of each of us.