St Luke of Crimea and the Holy Martyrs of Lesbos

Saturday 13th June 2026 @ 7pm

Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford

As the faithful gathered, Father Mark filled the chapel with a peaceful organ meditation. The sanctuary was adorned in red, white, and gold, colours speaking of martyrdom, purity, and divine glory. The gentle sounds of music and conversation slowly gave way to prayer as the liturgy began.

The clergy entered as Metropolitan Raffaele sang Praise the Lord, his voice leading us into worship. Before the prayers commenced, he reflected on the word martyr, a witness to Christ. He drew a connection to matrimony, where husband and wife strive to support one another, filling the places where the other may struggle. In every Christian vocation, he reminded us, we are called to help one another toward the Kingdom of God.

Together we prayed the Common Prayer, followed by the Kyrie and Gloria. Father Mark proclaimed the Epistle, which spoke of those who live according to God's law even when they have never received it explicitly, for the law of God is written upon the human heart. The Prokiminon followed, accompanied by joyful Alleluia.

The Gospel was then brought among the people, and Father Matthew read from St Matthew about the calling of the first disciples. Christ called fishermen from their nets, and they followed Him without hesitation. Jesus continued throughout the region teaching, preaching, and healing all who came before Him.

In his homily, Metropolitan Raffaele reflected on the lives of the Apostles, beginning with St Andrew, the First-Called. Andrew responded immediately when Christ called him, and through him the apostolic lineage eventually reached our own Church.

He spoke of St Peter, a man of great faith yet also of great weakness. Peter could be impulsive and stubborn. He denied Christ, yet through tears of repentance he was restored. Metropolitan Raffaele reminded us that God already knows that we will stumble. The Metropolitan explained that the road is muddy, and some of that mud sticks to us. We cannot remove it all ourselves - that is why He has given us the sacraments—to wash away the mud we gather on the journey. Like the Prodigal Son, we are continually welcomed back.

The homily then turned to James and John, who were ambitious and eager to be close to Christ. Their mother even attempted to secure places of honour for them. Yet Christ asked a deeper question: Are you prepared for what this calling requires?  Will you go where I send you? Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, they eventually carried the Gospel throughout the world, enduring persecution, imprisonment, and hardship for the sake of Christ.

From the Apostles he turned to the feast's principal saint: St Luke of Crimea. Born in Ukraine, Luke possessed remarkable artistic gifts and became a talented painter and iconographer. Yet he wondered whether art alone was enough. Beauty could uplift the soul, but could it heal suffering? Seeking a greater way to serve, he became a surgeon. Before every operation, Luke prayed to the Theotokos, trusting that God's grace could accomplish what human skill alone could not.

When his beloved wife died from tuberculosis, a great emptiness entered his life. He sought comfort in prayer, attending church each morning. A bishop recognised a special light within him and called him to the priesthood. But soon persecution descended upon the Church. Luke was imprisoned, tortured, starved, and exiled. Yet even in prison he continued to care for others, once giving away his own food to a fellow prisoner whose broken jaw prevented him from eating.

After his release he opened his home to the poor, feeding struggling families. For this, he was again accused and imprisoned.

Years after his death, his relics were uncovered. Witnesses reported a beautiful fragrance of jasmine and the appearance of holy oil. One blind man touched the oil and regained his sight.

St Luke was truly a Saint sent to guide us and bring us closer to God. Metropolitan Raffaele reminded us to give thanks for those whom God sends into our lives to shepherd us, guide us, and challenge us to grow closer to Him. If we believe, he said, we shall behold the glory of God.

The liturgy continued as Father Matthew offered prayers for the people and the Offertory Hymn accompanied the bringing forward of the gifts.

Metropolitan Raffaele then spoke of our guardian angels, reminding us that they have always been present in our lives. Given by God to guide and protect us, they quietly attend to our needs.

He recounted a personal experience involving relics he was transporting. Suddenly he felt compelled to stop his car. Though the traffic light ahead was green, he felt a presence pause him. Seconds later a semi-trailer ran through the intersection. Had he continued driving, the outcome would have been disastrous. Sometimes, he reflected, God protects us through the ministry of His angels.

Next, the Metropolitan offered us peace. The faithful then exchanged the Sign of Peace, and together proclaimed the Creed.

The Sanctus was sung, and the gifts were blessed and transfigured. The church was filled with hope as the clergy sang Amen. We then honoured the Theotokos. The sanctuary softly glowed blue as prayers were offered and Populi was sung.

The Our Father followed, and the Agnus Dei accompanied the preparation of Holy Communion.

As Holy Communion was prepared, Metropolitan Raffaele shared a story associated with St Anthony. During a time of controversy, some doubted the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. One man mocked the Church's teaching and insisted that the Eucharist was merely symbolic. A challenge was proposed. The doubting man's donkey would be deprived of food for three days and then brought before the church. When hungry donkey returned, hay was placed on one side and the Blessed Sacrament on the other. The donkey ignored the food entirely and knelt before the Eucharist. The doubting man was astonished.

The story serves as a reminder that Christ is not merely a symbol, but truly present among His people. We celebrate the saints because they are alive in Christ and continue to witness to His presence within the Church.

The clergy received Holy Communion, followed by the faithful, while Father Mark filled the church with beautiful organ music. A Thanksgiving Hymn was sung as the sacred gifts were returned.

Metropolitan Raffaele then turned to the story of the Holy Martyrs of Lesbos—Raffaele, Nicholas, and the young Irene. During a period of turmoil, they sought refuge in a monastery where they devoted themselves to prayer and service. During Bright Week, invading forces captured them. They endured horrific suffering and martyrdom for their faith.

Centuries later, people throughout the region began having remarkably similar dreams. Again and again they were told where the martyrs' remains could be found. Eventually their relics were discovered beneath the old monastery. A beautiful fragrance filled the air, and holy myrrh flowed from the relics. Metropolitan Raffaele reflected that while dreams can be strange and difficult to understand, God sometimes uses them to reveal His purposes.

He also recalled stories of other saints, including a holy hermit whose relics were discovered after generations of faithful people received the same heavenly prompting. Many saints, particularly throughout Italy and Greece, remain largely unknown to us. Yet their lives continue to inspire and strengthen the Church. Like the martyrs, they were aided by their guardian angels and remained faithful until the end. To this end, Metropolitan Raffaele encouraged everyone to learn and regularly pray the Prayer to the Angels at home.

Prayer to the Angels

Lord Jesus Christ, King of Angelic Hosts,

Continue to grant us an angel of peace assigned as at birth;

Repelling all harm and evil which the ancient rebellion seeks to craft!

Therefore, my angel of God and guardian of my life:

Illuminate me, protect me, uphold me

And withhold those who seek to harm me -

For you have been granted me via the love and mercy of the Most High.

Amen!

A Joyful Announcement

Before the conclusion of the liturgy, Father Mark came forward as the Metropolitan share some joyful news. As preparations continue toward Father Mark's episcopal ordination in August, Metropolitan Raffaele presented him with a bishop's cross. The moment was met with warm applause and heartfelt prayers.

The evening concluded with Father Mark at the organ while Andrew provided a beautiful display of light as people venerated the relics of St Luke. Afterwards, the community gathered for fellowship and refreshments, grateful for the witness of the saints and the grace of God that continues to guide His Church today.

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