Cathedral of the 12 Apostles: national holiday July 13
On July 13, every year, the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the 12 apostles, disciples of Jesus Christ. This is an important day for all Christians. The holy apostles have been honored by the church since the 4th century.
The Council of the 12 Apostles is celebrated the day after the feast day of Paul and Peter, the two supreme saints. Earlier we talked about these two apostles who gave their lives for pure faith and love for God. Peter is one of the 12 main apostles.
12 apostles
Apostol means “servant of God.” These 12 chosen ones include all his closest students. They left their lives and devoted themselves completely to Christ and his mission.
Of course, they too doubted, even they had difficulty understanding the words of Jesus. Many of them were not sure that they were doing everything right, but in the end the truth was revealed to everyone. As you know, one of the chosen apostles even betrayed Christ. All this once again hints at the true human essence - we always doubt and demand proof of the existence of God. For their torment and suffering, they deserved to be present at the Last Judgment, but not next to other people, but next to the Lord.
- Peter. The supreme apostle was crucified upside down in order to look up at God.
- Andrew the First-Called. Brother of the Apostle Peter, who was crucified on a cross in the shape of the letter X. This symbol is the banner of the Russian fleet.
- Matthias. Chosen as an apostle after the betrayal of Judas. He was beaten with stones.
- Simon Zelot. He preached in Abkhazia, for which he was crucified on the cross.
- Thaddeus. Brother of the Lord according to the flesh. He was executed for his faith in Christ in Armenia.
- Matthew. Was burned in Egypt.
- Jacob Alfeev. Matthew's brother. Also died in Africa.
- Thomas, who did not believe in the Resurrection of Christ. Preached in India and Asia. Executed in India.
- Bartholomew. He preached in Asia together with Philip. Executed in Armenia, died in inhuman pain.
- Philip. He carried faith and the cross with Bartholomew. Executed on the cross.
- John the Theologian. Died peacefully in Ephesus. Evangelist, preacher.
- Jacob Zavedeev. Brother of John, killed in Jerusalem.
As you can see, only the Theologian died a natural death. All these people were great martyrs because they accepted terrible torment for their faith in God. Since they were the very first, they were honored to be close to Jesus Christ even after death.
Many churches were built in honor of the 12 apostles, including in Russia. In the 17th century, a church was built in the Kremlin in honor of the most devoted students.
Traditions on July 13
July 13 is also considered a national holiday, because in Russia it has always united people in attempts to become closer to God. On the 13th, it is customary to visit churches and pray for yourself and your family. If you are unable to come to church, read the prayer to the 12 apostles at home:
About the saints, the apostles of Christ: Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, James and Jude, Simon and Matthew! Hear our prayers and sighs, now offered by our contrite hearts, and help us, the servants of God (names), through your all-powerful intercession before the Lord, to get rid of all evil and enemy flattery, and to firmly preserve the Orthodox faith that you have devoted to us, in which your intercession will not hurt us. , we will not be belittled by reprimand, nor by pestilence, nor by any wrath from our Creator, but we will live a peaceful life here and be honored to see good things on the land of the living, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the One in the Trinity, glorified and worshiped God, now and ever and ever forever and ever.
At the Council of the 12 Apostles, it is customary to help not only loved ones or relatives, but also people in general. If someone asks you for help, do not refuse him.
Also on July 13, people ask each other for forgiveness and make peace. This is a great day for all Christians, so that grievances are forgotten.
We wish you good luck and strong faith in God. Of course, this day of the 12 Apostles is not one of the 12 main holidays, but it is no less important for all believers.
