Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Sunday of St. Luke the Evangelist

“Rejoice That Your Names Are Written in Heaven”

“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” — Luke 10:20

This Sunday, October 18, 2026, we gather at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Port Charlotte to celebrate the Sunday of St. Luke the Evangelist.

Our Gospel reading, Luke 10:16–21, reminds us that our greatest joy is not found in earthly accomplishments, recognition, possessions, or even the extraordinary things we may accomplish through God’s grace.

Instead, Christ calls us to discover something far greater: the joy of belonging to God and the promise of eternal life with Him.

In this week’s message, Fr. Michael reflects on the true meaning of Christian joy, the importance of humility, and the beautiful reminder that our relationship with Christ is more important than anything we accomplish in this world.

As we commemorate St. Luke the Evangelist, may we be inspired to share the Gospel through our words, our actions, and the love we show to others.

A Message from Fr. Michael

Where Is My Joy?

Dearly Beloved faithful in Christ:

In today’s Gospel, our Lord Jesus Christ sends His disciples out to proclaim the Kingdom of God. When they return, they are filled with joy because even the demons were subject to them in His name.

But Christ directs their joy toward something much deeper. He says:

“Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

These words are important for every Christian.

The disciples had experienced something extraordinary. They had witnessed the power of God working through them. Yet Christ reminds them not to become proud because of spiritual accomplishments. The greatest blessing is not what we can accomplish for God, but that we belong to God.

It is easy for us to measure our spiritual life by what we see: how much we pray, how many good things we do, how faithfully we attend church, or how much we serve others. These things are important, but Christ reminds us that the heart of our Christian life is not our accomplishments. It is our relationship with Him.

Our Lord then says:

“I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes.”

The “babes” are those who receive God with humility and simplicity. The Kingdom of God is not discovered through pride or human achievement. It is received by a heart that is humble, trusting, and open to God’s grace.

This is deeply connected to the Orthodox Christian life.

When we enter the church, we do not come because we have already become perfect. We come because we need Christ. We come carrying our sins, our worries, our weaknesses, our disappointments, and our struggles. And Christ receives us with mercy.

The Church teaches us that salvation is not something we earn as a reward. It is the gift of God’s grace, to which we respond through faith, repentance, prayer, and a life of love.

There is also another beautiful lesson in today’s Gospel.

Christ tells His disciples that He has given them authority over the power of the enemy. This reminds us that evil does not have the final word. Satan may tempt us, discourage us, and try to separate us from God, but Christ is victorious.

The Christian does not live in fear.

We live in the confidence that Christ has conquered sin and death.

But notice that Christ does not tell His disciples to rejoice because they have power. He tells them to rejoice because their names are written in heaven.

This changes the way we live.

When we succeed, we give glory to God.

When we fail, we turn again to God.

When people praise us, we remain humble.

When people criticize us, we remember that our true identity is found in Christ.

When life becomes difficult, we remember that this world is not our final home.

Our greatest treasure is not wealth, health, reputation, or earthly success.

Our greatest treasure is Christ Himself and the promise of eternal life with Him.

Dear brothers and sisters, let us therefore ask ourselves today:

Where is my joy?

Is my joy dependent upon circumstances? Upon what I possess? Upon what others think of me? Upon my successes and failures?

Or is my deepest joy found in knowing that I am a beloved child of God?

The saints understood this mystery. They endured suffering, persecution, poverty, rejection, and many trials, yet they possessed a joy that the world could not take away. Their joy was rooted in Christ.

May we also learn to place our hearts in Him.

Let us come to Holy Communion with humility and thanksgiving. Let us repent sincerely when we fall. Let us forgive those who have hurt us. Let us serve those who need us. Let us pray for our families and for those who have no one to pray for them.

And above all, let us never forget the words of our Lord:

“Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit strengthen us, guide us, and lead us into the joy of His eternal Kingdom.

Prayerfully yours,

+ Fr. Michael

Scripture Readings for October 18, 2026

Prokeimenon — Mode Plagal 4

Psalm 18:4, 1

“Their voice has gone out into all the earth.”

Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God.

Προκείμενον. Ήχος πλ. δ’

ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 18.4,1

Εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν.

Στίχ. Οἱ οὐρανοὶ διηγοῦνται δόξαν Θεοῦ.

Epistle Reading

St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians 4:5–11, 14–18

Brethren, conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one.

Tychicos will tell you all about my affairs; he is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimos, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of yourselves.

They will tell you of everything that has taken place.

Aristarchos my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions if he comes to you, receive him), and Jesus who is called Justos.

These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.

Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea.

And say to Archippos, “See that you fulfill the ministry which you have received in the Lord.”

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.

Remember my fetters.

Grace be with you. Amen.

Πρὸς Κολοσσαεῖς 4:5–11, 14–18 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα

Ἀδελφοί, ἐν σοφίᾳ περιπατεῖτε πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω, τὸν καιρὸν ἐξαγοραζόμενοι. Ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χάριτι, ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος, εἰδέναι πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ ἀποκρίνεσθαι.

Τὰ κατʼ ἐμὲ πάντα γνωρίσει ὑμῖν Τυχικός, ὁ ἀγαπητὸς ἀδελφὸς καὶ πιστὸς διάκονος καὶ σύνδουλος ἐν κυρίῳ· ὃν ἔπεμψα πρὸς ὑμᾶς εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο, ἵνα γνῷ τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν καὶ παρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν· σὺν Ὀνησίμῳ τῷ πιστῷ καὶ ἀγαπητῷ ἀδελφῷ, ὅς ἐστιν ἐξ ὑμῶν. Πάντα ὑμῖν γνωριοῦσιν τὰ ὧδε.

Ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Ἀρίσταρχος ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου, καὶ Μᾶρκος ὁ ἀνεψιὸς Βαρνάβᾳ, περὶ οὗ ἐλάβετε ἐντολάς - ἐὰν ἔλθῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς, δέξασθε αὐτόν· καὶ Ἰησοῦς ὁ λεγόμενος Ἰοῦστος, οἱ ὄντες ἐκ περιτομῆς· οὗτοι μόνοι συνεργοὶ εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ, οἵτινες ἐγενήθησάν μοι παρηγορία.

Ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Λουκᾶς ὁ ἰατρὸς ὁ ἀγαπητός, καὶ Δημᾶς.

Ἀσπάσασθε τοὺς ἐν Λαοδικείᾳ ἀδελφούς, καὶ Νυμφᾶν, καὶ τὴν κατʼ οἶκον αὐτοῦ ἐκκλησίαν.

Καὶ ὅταν ἀναγνωσθῇ παρʼ ὑμῖν ἡ ἐπιστολή, ποιήσατε ἵνα καὶ ἐν τῇ Λαοδικαίων ἐκκλησίᾳ ἀναγνωσθῇ, καὶ τὴν ἐκ Λαοδικείας ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀναγνῶτε.

Καὶ εἴπατε Ἀρχίππῳ, Βλέπε τὴν διακονίαν ἣν παρέλαβες ἐν κυρίῳ, ἵνα αὐτὴν πληροῖς.

Ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου.

Μνημονεύετέ μου τῶν δεσμῶν.

Ἡ χάρις μεθʼ ὑμῶν. Ἀμήν.

Holy Gospel

Luke 10:16–21 | The Return of the Seventy

The Lord said to his disciples,

“He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

The seventy returned with joy, saying,

“Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”

And he said to them,

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.”

Living the Gospel This Week

Where Do We Find Our Greatest Joy?

The Gospel of St. Luke reminds us that our true joy is not determined by what we accomplish, what we own, or how others perceive us.

When the seventy disciples returned to Christ, they were filled with excitement because they had witnessed extraordinary miracles performed through His name.

Yet Christ reminded them that something far more important had taken place.

Their greatest blessing was not their authority over evil spirits, but their relationship with God.

Their names were written in heaven.

This message challenges us to consider where we place our own happiness and sense of worth.

It is easy to become consumed by the desire for success, financial security, recognition, or approval.

We may feel joyful when life is going well, but discouraged when things do not unfold according to our plans.

Christ invites us to discover a joy that cannot be taken away by changing circumstances.

The joy of knowing that we belong to Him.

The joy of receiving His mercy.

The joy of knowing that His love is greater than our failures.

And the joy of trusting in His promise of eternal life.

As we reflect on this week’s Gospel, let us consider how we can cultivate this deeper joy in our daily lives.

Perhaps it means spending more time in prayer.

Perhaps it means approaching Holy Communion with greater gratitude.

Perhaps it means forgiving someone who has hurt us or serving someone who needs our help.

Or perhaps it simply means remembering that even during difficult seasons, we are never separated from the love and mercy of Christ.

Our greatest treasure is Christ Himself.

And that is a reason to rejoice every day.

Bible Study & Catechism Classes

Come grow with us in our knowledge of Holy Scripture and the Orthodox Christian faith.

Bible Study: 9:00 AM–10:30 AM

Catechism Class: 10:30 AM–11:30 AM

Upcoming Class Dates

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Saturday, January 16, 2027

Saturday, March 13, 2027

Everyone is warmly invited to attend.

Classes use the Orthodox Study Bible. Please remember to bring yours with you.

We look forward to sharing in fellowship, learning, and spiritual growth together.

Upcoming Special Services

The following services are in addition to our regularly scheduled Sunday Orthros and Divine Liturgy.

Friday, October 23, 2026

Feast Day of St. James (Iakovos), the Brother of the Lord

Orthros: 9:00 AM

Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM

Friday, November 13, 2026

Feast Day of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

Divine Liturgy: 9:00 AM

No Orthros will be held.

Wednesday, November 25, 2026

Feast Day of St. Katherine the Great Martyr of Alexandria

There will be NO SERVICES AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH on this day.

Orthros and Divine Liturgy will instead be celebrated at St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, Florida.

Sunday, November 29, 2026

Vespers for the Eve of the Feast Day of St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle

Time: 1:00 PM

October Birthdays

We extend our warmest birthday wishes to the following members of our parish family.

October 3 — Liam Hill

October 3 — Zachary Verros

October 7 — Thomas Muse

October 14 — Wanda Spangler

October 14 — Hunter Constance

October 16 — Andriana Yanni

October 17 — Victoria Baker

October 18 — Peter Kapasouris

October 25 — Steven Christopher

October 28 — Catherine Roy

October 28 — Theresa Vriniotis

October 31 — James Potter

May God grant each of you many blessed years! Χρόνια Πολλά!

October Wedding Anniversaries

We celebrate the following couples who are marking their wedding anniversaries this month.

October 5 — George & Susan Beres

October 9 — Dean & Helen Raptakis

October 13 — Andrew & Debbie Kontos

October 20 — Nestor & Anna Tsimpedes

October 21 — Issam & Maisa Dubbaneh

October 25 — Monica Vallee & Norman Cardinale

May the Lord continue to bless your marriages with love, faith, patience, and many joyful years together.

Many blessed years!

Special Parish Event: Our First Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, December 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is excited to announce our first Blessing of the Animals, a special opportunity to give thanks for the animals that bring companionship, comfort, and joy into our lives.

Parishioners and community members are invited to bring their beloved pets, including dogs, cats, and other animals, to receive a blessing.

The event will take place in the parking lot in front of the church.

Honoring St. Modestos, Patron Saint of Animals

St. Modestos is recognized as the patron saint of animals and is remembered for his compassion toward God’s creation.

Born in 292 AD, St. Modestos is celebrated for his piety and respect for animals.

His prayers are traditionally invoked for the protection, health, and well-being of animals.

During the Blessing of the Animals, a special prayer associated with St. Modestos will be offered, and pets will be blessed with holy water.

The prayer asks for God’s compassion and relief from suffering for animals, reflecting the Orthodox Church’s respect for all creation.

St. Modestos’ feast day is celebrated on December 18. Our parish blessing will take place the following day, Saturday, December 19.

December 18 also marks the name day of His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos. Fr. Michael anticipates celebrating this occasion at a Tampa Bay-area church.

Important Safety Guidelines

For the safety and comfort of everyone attending:

• All pets must be on a leash or secured in a crate or carrier.

• No pets will be permitted inside any buildings on church property.

• The blessing will take place outdoors in the church parking lot.

We look forward to welcoming our parish families and their beloved animals for this special occasion.

All are welcome!

Join Us at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

24411 Rampart Blvd.

Port Charlotte, FL 33980

Church Office: 941-629-3888

V. Rev. Dr. Michael Bahlatzis, Protopresbyter

Presiding Priest-Proistamenos

Phone: (607) 215-3887

Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM

Whether you are a longtime member of our parish family, new to the area, or simply interested in learning more about Orthodox Christianity, we warmly invite you to worship with us.

As we commemorate St. Luke the Evangelist, may we remember the joy of sharing the Gospel and the blessing of belonging to Christ.

May we continue to grow in humility, faith, repentance, and love, remembering that our worth is not measured by earthly accomplishments but by our relationship with God.

“Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” — Luke 10:20

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit strengthen us, guide us, and lead us into the joy of His eternal Kingdom.

Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be. ☦️