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St. Matthias the Apostle, Feast: 9th
August
What do we know about St. Matthias? Not much but...
We know from the Bible…
-
That he was present when St. Peter called on the
faithful to choose another apostle to take the place of the traitor
Judas (Acts 1v 15).
-
That he has been with Jesus from the Baptism of John
until His ascension and had been a witness of the resurrection. (Acts 1v
22)
-
That he was held in high esteem amongst the other
faithful (about 120 were gathered) and the choice was between him and
Joseph Barsabas Justus.
-
That he was chosen by casting lots between him and
Joseph.
-
That he was then numbered with the eleven apostles.
-
That he was present on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2v1)
We can suppose…
Some say…
-
That St. Matthias was born in Bethlehem and
educated by St. Simeon the God-receiver.
-
That he accompanied St. Peter and St. Andrew to
Antioch
and lived there with them.
-
That later he accompanied St. Andrew on his missionary
journeys in Edessa
and Sebaste.
-
That he was forced to drink poison but not only was
not affected but healed those who were.
-
That he was imprisoned but released by St. Andrew.
-
That, like the Lord, he became invisible to avoid
capture.
-
That the earth swallowed up his enemies.
-
That he preached the Gospel in Judea then in Colchis
among the barbarian cannibals and was crucified.
-
That he died and was buried in Sebaste near the
Sun
Temple.
-
That he was stoned and then beheaded in
Jerusalem
after preaching before the Sanhedrin.
One quotation:
"We must combat our flesh, set no value upon it, and
concede to it nothing that can flatter it, but rather increase the growth of
our soul by faith and knowledge".
Sadly he is very frequently left off the icons of the
Apostles in favour of St. Paul or confused with
St. Matthew.
Troparion (Tone 3)
O holy Apostle Matthias, pray to the merciful God, that He
may grant to our souls remission of our transgressions!
Kontakion (Tone 4)
O wonder-worker and Apostle Matthias, your words have gone
out into all the world, enlightening men as the sun, and giving grace to the
Church, bringing faith to heathen lands!
Bibliography:
Butler
A; The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and Other Principal Saints
OCA: Daily Saints:
http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp
On line Catholic Encyclopedia:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/index.html
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