General presentation of Saint Luke
Saint Luke, born in Antioch in the 1st century, is one of the four evangelists and the author of the Gospel according to Luke as well as the Acts of the Apostles. A physician by profession, he is considered a pagan converted to Christianity, probably under the influence of Saint Paul, with whom he was a close companion for several years. Luke is known for his precise style and compassionate approach, reflecting his dual role as physician and evangelist. He pays special attention to God's mercy and marginalized people in his Gospel. He is also the patron saint of physicians, artists, and sculptors.
Correspondence chart of Saint Luke
| Role | Evangelist, physician, author of the Gospel of Luke |
| Patronage | Physicians, artists, painters |
| Feast | October 18 |
Symbols and appearances of Saint Luke
Saint Luke is often depicted as a winged ox, a symbol of sacrifice, linked to the beginning of his Gospel where he describes a priest offering sacrifice. He is also frequently shown with medical tools or a book, as the author of the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. His closeness to the Virgin Mary is also often highlighted in iconography, as according to tradition, he gathered stories of her life directly from her.
Myths of Saint Luke
According to Christian tradition, Saint Luke was not only a physician but also a painter, and he is credited with creating the first portrait of the Virgin Mary, although this claim is not historically verified. Another legend tells of a miraculous liquid flowing from his tomb after his death, healing eye diseases, symbolizing the continuation of his healing work even after his death.
