Church celebrates the Feast of 12 Apostles
The icon of the 12 Apostles. Photo: open sources
On July 13, 2025 (June 30 according to the Julian calendar), the Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast of the Twelve Apostles. This feast is dedicated to the disciples of Jesus Christ, who became the first preachers of the Christian doctrine.
The twelve apostles – Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John the Theologian, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Jude the son of James, and Matthias (chosen instead of Judas Iscariot) – were chosen by Christ to spread the Gospel throughout the world. All of them, except John the Theologian, suffered martyrdom.
Peter – preached in Rome, crucified upside down at his own request.
Andrew – brought the Good News to Scythia and Greece, crucified on a diagonal cross in Patras.
James the son of Zebedee – preached in Jerusalem, beheaded by the order of Herod Agrippa.
John the Theologian – served in Asia Minor, died a natural death in Ephesus.
Philip – preached in Scythia and Phrygia, crucified in Hierapolis.
Bartholomew – brought the faith to India and Armenia, suffered martyrdom by being flayed.
Matthew – preached in Ethiopia, killed by the sword.
Thomas – served in India, pierced with a spear.
James the son of Alphaeus – preached in Jerusalem, thrown from the temple's pinnacle and stoned.
Simon the Zealot – brought the faith to Egypt and Britain, crucified.
Jude the son of James – preached in Mesopotamia, killed with a club.
Matthias – served in Ethiopia, stoned and beheaded.
The commemoration of the 12 Apostles reminds believers of the importance of apostolic service and calls for following the example of Christ's first disciples in preaching and testifying to the Christian faith.
As reported, on July 12 (June 29 according to the Julian calendar), the Church celebrated the memory of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.