The Greek Matthias or Maththias, is a name derived from Mattathias, (Heb. Mattithiah, signifying “gift of Yahweh). St. Matthias was not one of the original Apostles but was chosen by the other Apostles when Judas left their rank. One apostle had defected, the deserted office of the betrayer needed to Read more
The liturgical calendar of the Indian Orthodox Church commemorates the Seventy (Seventy-two) evangelists, whom our Lord chose in addition to the Twelve Apostles; and they were sent by in pairs, so that they could preach the gospel in all those places where Christ Himself was about to visit. Our Lord Read more
St. Thomas is the Patron Saint of India, set foot in India in AD 52. The Syrian Christians of Malabar in India, claim St. Thomas as their founder. St. Thomas founded the Malankara Orthodox Church of India in AD 52. Some records say that the Apostle made a brief Read more
Paul is seen as a new being in the Christian Church and an architect who worked hard for building the Church. Paul knew more about the work of Jesus only through relation with the Church and life in the Church. His knowledge of Christ deepened through Church life. He talks Read more
Saul was brought up as an exact Jew. His religious nature, deep rooted Jewish piety and Jewish faith made him a persecutor of the Christian Church, with a fanatic zeal and raging fury. His aim was to destroy Christian Church. Paul played a vital role in bringing St. Stephen, before Read more
St. Paul is the invaluable wealth of Christian Church, just after Christ and Scripture. It is said that while Christianity begins with Jesus, there is a second beginning to Christianity in Paul. He who is remembered as the Pharisee who admitted that, ‘I am the first among sinners’, started his Read more
The New Testament tells nothing but his name and even the legend and tradition is silent about him, yet a towering and an important spiritual figure of the NT . St. James is not among the first twelve apostles. Truly little is known of them and there is much speculation Read more
Andrew is often known as the man, who introduced others to Jesus. Andrew was a native of Bethsaida of Galilee (Jn. 1: 44). He was the son of John / Jonas (Matt. 16: 17; Jn. 1: 42; and brother of Simon Peter (Matt. 10: 2; Jn. 1: 40). Both were Read more
The Apostles’ fast is one among the five canonical fasts in the Orthodox Churches. The fourth fast of our liturgical year, ‘The Apostles’ Fast’ (‘Pathimoonnu nombu’ or ‘Sleeha Nombu’ is from June 16 until June 28. The dates, days, duration, and intensity of the Apostles Fast vary in the differently, Read more
“And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when morning came, He called unto Him His disciples: and of them He chose twelve, whom also He named apostles” (Lk. 6: 12, 13). Read more