Saint Luke the Evangelist

St. Luke painting Theotokos (Moraca Monastery, Montenegro, Serbia, 1672-73).
Image compliments of St. Isaac of Syria Skete,

Today is the feast day of the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

Did you know that in ancient tradition, Saint Luke the Evangelist is considered to be the first iconographer? He is said to have painted an image of the Mother of God (in Greek, Theotokos) during her earthly lifetime.

Certainly the author of Luke-Acts "paints" the fullest picture in the New Testament of Jesus' mother, Mary, whom he honors as the first disciple.

Throughout art history, Saint Luke has been depicted either painting or writing. His symbol is the winged ox, representative of sacrifice, a theme early identified with the Gospel of Luke. Saint Luke is the patron saint of artists, physicians, surgeons, students and butchers.



To see more icons or to purchase reproductions, click here: St. Isaac of Syria Skete.