Feast Day: October 18
Title: Evangelist, Physician, Disciple of Saint Paul, Patron of Physicians and Artists
Attributes: Winged ox, book or scroll, physician’s instruments, painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Early Life and Background
Saint Luke was born a Gentile, traditionally believed to be a native of Antioch in Syria, though some ancient sources suggest he may have been a Hellenized Jew. He was a physician by profession, as indicated by Saint Paul in his Epistle to the Colossians:
“Luke, the most dear physician, saluteth you.” (Colossians 4:14)
This background in medicine suggests that Luke was educated, possibly in Greek medical traditions, and accustomed to careful observation—traits that would later mark his Gospel account.
Conversion and Discipleship
Saint Luke was not one of the Twelve Apostles and did not know Our Lord during His earthly ministry. He is traditionally counted among the Seventy Disciples sent out by Christ (cf. Luke 10:1), though this is not universally attested. He became a Christian sometime after the Resurrection and is most prominently known as a close companion of Saint Paul the Apostle, whom he accompanied on several missionary journeys.
Saint Paul speaks of Luke with great affection, calling him “my fellow laborer” (Philemon 1:24) and notes in 2 Timothy 4:11:
“Only Luke is with me,”
testifying to Luke’s constancy in times of trial, especially during Paul’s final imprisonment in Rome.
Evangelist and Author
Saint Luke is the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, both addressed to “Theophilus”—possibly a real person or a symbolic name meaning “lover of God.”
His Gospel is distinguished by its gentleness, universality, and attention to detail, especially concerning the humanity and compassion of Our Lord. It is the Gospel of the Poor, of the Holy Ghost, and of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Luke alone records the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Magnificat, the Nativity, the Presentation, and the Finding in the Temple—suggesting he may have received these accounts directly from Our Lady herself.
The symbol of Saint Luke is the winged ox, one of the four living creatures described in Ezekiel and Revelation, representing sacrifice, service, and strength—fitting symbols for a Gospel that begins with the sacrifice of Zechariah and centers on the priestly work of Christ.
The Acts of the Apostles, often called the “Gospel of the Holy Ghost,” continues the mission of the Church after the Ascension and records the earliest deeds and sufferings of the Apostles, particularly Saints Peter and Paul.
Tradition of Iconography
Tradition, especially in the East, holds that Saint Luke was the first iconographer, having painted an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child. Several ancient icons are attributed to him, and he is therefore honored as the patron saint of artists and iconographers.
Later Life and Martyrdom
After the martyrdom of Saint Paul, Luke is believed to have continued preaching the Gospel, possibly in Greece, where tradition holds he died a martyr—some say by being hanged from an olive tree in Thebes at the age of 84.
His holy relics were transferred to Constantinople in the 4th century by order of Emperor Constantius, son of Constantine the Great. They were enshrined in the Church of the Holy Apostles alongside the bodies of Saints Andrew and Timothy.
Legacy and Veneration
Saint Luke is honored throughout the Church, East and West, as one of the Four Evangelists. His feast has been celebrated in the West from early times, fixed on October 18.
His Gospel is particularly loved for its gentleness, focus on mercy, and detailed narrative. His writings show the universality of salvation, emphasizing that Christ came not only for the Jews, but for all nations.
He is the patron saint of physicians, artists, notaries, surgeons, and bachelors.
✠ Prayer to Saint Luke the Evangelist
Almighty God, who didst inspire Thy servant Saint Luke the physician to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of Thy Son: Grant that by the wholesome medicine of the doctrine he taught, all the diseases of our souls may be healed; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.