Overview of Orthodox liturgical commemorations and historical figures from October 18 to 20

Between October 18 and October 20, the Orthodox Church celebrates several saints and significant historical figures. On October 18, the church honors Luke the Evangelist, a physician and artist from Antioch who authored the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. He is noted for creating early icons of the Virgin Mary and the Apostles Peter and Paul while spreading the Gospel across Dalmatia, Italy, France, and Greece.

On October 19, the focus shifts to Saint Cleopatra, known for her devotion and the construction of a church in Palestine dedicated to Saint Varus. October 20 marks the commemoration of Saint Artemius, a Byzantine official appointed by Constantine the Great, who served as Duke of Alexandria and oversaw infrastructure projects in Patras, such as an aqueduct. The same day honors Saint Gerasimos, born in 1509 in Trikala, Corinthia. A member of the Notaras family, Gerasimos traveled extensively before settling in Cephalonia, where he founded the 'New Jerusalem' monastery in the Omala region. He is celebrated for his ascetic life and his role in supporting the local population both spiritually and materially throughout his tenure.