HISTORY OF ST LUKE
The need for a suburban church serving the Philadelphia region resulted in the purchase of land in 1962 and in December 1962, Groundbreaking Services were held. His Eminence, Archbishop Iakovos officiated.
In September of 1963, the Reverend George D. Gregory became the spiritual head of the new parish. With the blessing of the Bishop, Dr. and Mrs. Louis Alikakos, as "Godparents", named the church in honor of the Apostle St. Luke, who, like Dr. Alikakos, was a physician. On September 22, 1963, Thyranixia took place in the original hall which would serve as a Church until a permanent edifice would be erected. Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas Padis earned the honor of opening the church doors in accordance with tradition.
In January 1980, our Community became the first Greek Orthodox Church in the Delaware Valley to initiate stewardship.
After much work, groundbreaking ceremonies were held on September 8, 1982 for the permanent Church edifice. On a chilly Sunday, April 8, 1984, the Blessing of the Foundation took place.
On Sunday, March 17, 1985 Archbishop Iakovos conducted the ceremony of Thyranixia before a small altar erected on the front portico.
In June 1993, Father George Gregory retired after a thriving ministry where the parish enjoyed spiritual growth through his leadership and vision. Father Stephen Theophilos, who had assisted father Gregory over the last year, became the new spiritual leader. Fr. Stephen Theophilos was assigned to other ministries in our Holy Metropolis after serving St. Luke faithfully.
Fr. Christ Kontos was assigned as the new spiritual father of the parish in 2000 and continues to serve to this day. With the dedication and good works of the faithful, together with Fr. Christ, the Church flourished. The growth of the parish called for new physical resources for the youth and adults. The Church completed a $4,500,000 building campaign to meet its growth ministering to over 700 families and 300 youth in our various groups.
The parish focuses on all ages of ministry and reaches out to every social neighboring need with Time, Talent and Treasure.
Below is a list of our groups that makes it all happen.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
PLAYGROUP - preschoolers and their parents for fellowship
H.O.P.E. – Kindergarten-2nd grade
J.O.Y. – Grages 3-6
G.O.Y.A. - Grades 7-12
ALTAR BOYS
GREEK SCHOOL FOR YOUTH
GREEK SCHOOL FOR ADULTS
OLYMPIAN DANCERS (older youth)
TA ELLINAKIA (younger youth)
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
DIAKONIA - adults assisting with parish duties during services with Parish Council
LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS
FOR THOSE IN NEED
YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE
ADULT RELIGIOUS RETREATS
ADULT ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY CLASS
ADULT ELEMENTS OF ORTHODOXY CLASS
ADULT MARRIED GROUP
PRAYER GROUP
GRIEF MINISTRY
SENIOR MENS GROUP
SENIOR WOMENS GROUP
SENIOR CHOIR
YOUTH CHOIR
PRISON MINISTRY
