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| St. Philip the Deacon (Feast Day - October 11) |
Verses
Truly serving as a deacon on earth,
In the heavens Philip you receive a reward.
Philip the liturgist received his reward on the eleventh.
Saint Philip was born in Caesarea of Palestine. He was married and had four daughters (Sept. 4), who consecrated their virginity to God and were given the gift of prophecy (Acts 21:8). He became one of the Seventy Apostles of Christ, and after Pentecost he was chosen by the Twelve Disciples to serve the needs of the Church of Jerusalem as one of its Seven Deacons. As a deacon, he served at the meals of the faithful and took care of the poor and the widows.
When the assembly of the Apostles dispersed on their missionary journeys, Philip spread the Gospel throughout Samaria. He baptized Simon the Magus (or Magician) who feigned conversion in the hope of making money by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Then the Lord sent him along the Gaza road to convert the Ethiopian eunuch of Queen Candace, as he traveled back to Egypt from Jerusalem in his chariot and was studying and baffled by the prophecies the Book of Isaiah. Philip opened his eyes to see that it was Christ of whom Isaiah spoke, and after instructing him in the Christian faith he baptized the eunuch, then was caught away by the Holy Spirit to continue his preaching in Azotos. From there he evangelized in every city till he came to Caesarea (Acts 8). After that, he made his way to the province of Trallia in Asia Minor. There he led many pagans to the knowledge of God, built a church, and reposed in peace.
His sacred skull is kept at the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian on the island of Patmos.
Apolytikion in the Third Tone
Filled with divine grace, thou didst serve in the Church as a deacon of God the Word, O Apostle. By the working of miracles and signs from God, thou didst enlighten the multitudes of Samaria. O blessed Philip, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, thou didst enlighten the world with thy teachings and resplendent miracles, O Apostle Philip, initiate in sacred truths.
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| St. Philip teaching the Ethiopian eunuch |
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| St. Philip baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch |
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| St. Philip carried away |