He delivered many sermons to cement the understanding that all talents are needed to build up the Body of Christ and that self will must be denied in order to fulfill God's will. He conducted sessions in comparative religion, structure of the Orthodox Church in America, and evangelization techniques. (His Grace Bishop Boris had promised a priest each Sunday and never went back on his word.) Father John's expertise in establishing a mission parish helped build a firm foundation for the years ahead. Pastoral leadership.Fortunately Father John Matusiak became the main supply priest. There was a parish council to elect, basement to clean for the church school, weekly liturgical furnishings to takedown and set-up, meetings to attend, music to learn, prosphora to bake, and more clean up! His Grace was right about of all the work ahead. Saint Luke would become the perfect role model for evangelization!Īfter the first two liturgies at the Wayside chapel starting January 29, 1984, provisions were made to rent the vacant Sacred Heart Church located at the present site on 107th & Kean in Palos Hills. His Grace named the new mission parish 'Saint Luke the Evangelist'.much to the delight of the founders. He set guidelines, offered words of wisdom, and advised them to keep the best of their various traditions. Each meeting also brought them into a closer union with one another and with His Grace whose love for his flock was evident every step of the way. Each meeting brought them closer to solidifying their plans. He offered them encouragement, but cautioned of the hard work and sacrifice ahead. The 17 founders met for several months with His Grace. However, the group approached the late Bishop of Chicago and Diocese of the Midwest, His Grace Boris. Membership in the OCA meant a jurisdictional change. They felt their dream could be realized through the Orthodox Church in America. During the study of the Holy Scriptures, the group felt a strong need to move beyond ethnic boundaries and to establish a new Orthodox Christian Parish dedicated to witnessing to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and worshipping exclusively in the English language. Our roots.The idea for this mission parish evolved in the early 1980's from an evening Bible study program where members wanted to deepen their experience of the Orthodox Faith. The common thread was their love for Christ and His Church and their vision of what the Orthodox Church should be in North America. These souls strengthened the community through their zeal, enthusiasm, and talents as Saint Luke solidified into a community of faithful from all different backgrounds and traditions. It was exciting to witness growth as new souls were added to the flock. Luke Parish building.Įach step was a test of ability to stay focused on the purpose of this mission parish. acquiring a permanent building, supporting a permanently assigned priest, sprouting another mission parish, changing from 'mission' to 'church' status, complete renovation of the church building, consecration of Saint Luke Church, and planning for building expansion.Ĭlick Here for information on the history of the St. Over the next 17 years, the Saint Luke community would undergo various stages of development. The joy that morning was inexpressible, but no one could have imagined the journey that lay ahead. The warmth experienced on that cold winter morning was a presence of the Holy Spirit working among those 'called to declare His wonderful deeds.' (I Peter 2:9) For the 35 souls who gathered for the first Divine Liturgy at the Wayside Chapel in Palos Heights, it was the fulfillment of the hopes and dreams that had been envisioned in their minds and hearts for years. January 29th, 1984, marked the genesis of Saint Luke the Evangelist Orthodox Mission as a Eucharistic community. Historical Details Build - Founding Year: 1984 History: History of St.
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