Apostle Philip is one of Christ’s disciples, distinguished by his education and good knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. Just like Peter, the young man lived in the city of Bethsaida. Philip studied book studies and already knew the Old Testament from childhood, wishing with all his heart the coming of Jesus Christ. Immense love glowed in his heart towards the Lord. The Son of God, knowing about the spiritual impulses of Philip, who believed in the Almighty, found the young man and called for Him.
I believe, Lord!
Philip followed Jesus without any doubt. The Apostle believed that He was the true Savior of the sinful world and therefore tried to be like Him in everything, gaining divine wisdom. Philip was lucky, along with other students, to receive a great gift - to be chosen. But the apostle, illuminated by the joy of being with the Messiah, wanted to share this happiness with others.
The Apostle John the Theologian describes one story from the life of Philip, which proves such zeal. Once, having met his friend Nathanael, a disciple of Christ hastened to tell the great news - the One about whom the Old Testament prophets spoke had come. The holy Apostle Philip, noticing a shadow of doubt on the face of his comrade, decided to take him to Christ - the young man was sure that Nathanael would recognize the Messiah. The Lord, seeing the doubter, recognized him as an honest and unhypocritical Israeli. The surprised young man asked the Son of God how one could judge a person if he had never known him. In response, Christ said that he saw Nathanael under the fig tree. And then the young man remembered that at that moment he was completely alone, thinking about the coming appearance of the Messiah. Nathanael prayed to the Lord to send His Son to Earth, who would finally cleanse the human race from all sins. At that moment, the young man, not holding back his tears, prayed incessantly. And then, being in the face of Jesus, Nathanael realized that the Lord had heard his prayers: now He is on earth. Falling at the feet of the Messiah, the young man recognized Christ as the Son of God.
Nathanael was very grateful to the disciple of Jesus for telling him about the Great Coming and leading him to the One whom he, the servant of God, did not even dream of seeing, much less standing next to, face to face. The Apostle Philip rejoiced with his friend.
Notes[ | ]
- Media files on Wikimedia Commons
- Apostle Philip. Orthodox church calendar.
- Lives of the Saints of Rostov, 1903-1916.
- Don region in the first centuries of Christianity
- Hierapolis (now Pamukkale). In the footsteps of St. Philip the Apostle
- The tomb of St. Philip the Apostle was discovered by Denizli (unspecified)
. Retrieved January 25, 2013. Archived February 1, 2013. - Archaeologists have discovered the tomb of Apostle Philip, 07/28/2011
Wonderful Feast
Christ's disciple Philip praised and appreciated his teacher, but saw in Him only the highest human manifestations. It was difficult for him to recognize the almighty God in Him due to his sinful nature, which is inherent in all people. The Lord, seeing the lack of faith in His disciple, wanted to correct this. As the Apostle John writes, Christ, walking with five thousand people along the seashore, wanted to feed the people. While testing Philip, Jesus asked the young man where he could get bread for the people. The Apostle, having forgotten about the divine greatness of the Messiah, asked him to let the people go around the surrounding area to look for food, since the available coins would still not be enough to buy so much bread. The Savior knew that this is exactly how the Apostle Philip would answer him. After the words of his disciple, Christ, according to the Bible, took 5 loaves and 2 fish and, breaking them, began to distribute them to people. Everyone who approached the Son of God received food. The Apostle Philip, seeing this miracle, was ashamed of his lack of faith. And together with the people he glorified the Lord God and Jesus Christ, born of Him.
Unity of Father and Son
Orthodox Christianity especially reveres Philip because he always had the boldness to ask the Lord questions that interested him and receive answers to them, which are recorded in the Gospel. So, for example, after the Last Supper, the apostle asked Jesus to show all his disciples the Heavenly Father. Christ, hearing this, reproached Philip, saying that he who saw the Son also saw the Most High. Jesus said that the Father abiding in Him does good works. Thus, the answer of the Son of God once again proves that He is not a creation, but the Creator, being on an equal footing with His Father. 4 centuries after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, heretics led by Arius will try to distort the essence of the Holy Trinity, speaking about the human nature of the Son of God. But the Ecumenical Council was able to refute this fact with words from the Bible and a miracle that happened at one of its meetings. Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, having entered into a dispute with one of the Aryan philosophers, clearly proved the existence of the Holy Trinity. Taking the stone in his hands, he squeezed it forcefully, as a result of which fire came out of the brick and water flowed, and clay remained in the palm of the old man.
Why does Orthodoxy honor Philip?
This apostle always had the audacity to ask questions of his teacher that others avoided. But thanks to him, humanity has the answers it needs. So after an event called the “Last Supper,” he asked Jesus a serious question.
Can he show the creator to them, mere mortals? Christ did not like the answer so much that he reproached Philip for his insolence. And his words were as follows: whoever was able to see the son of God saw the creator! He dwells in each of us, especially at moments of great deeds.
Man himself is precisely what is called God's creation. Therefore, to doubt the Lord means to doubt oneself.
After these words, not a single holy apostle who was at the Last Supper had a single doubt about who they saw before them. They took every word of his on faith and tried to put it in their heads forever.
The Way of the Apostle
Like the rest of the disciples, Philip received a blessing from the Lord to profess faith. On the day of Pentecost, after the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostle went to Galilee. One day, wandering through its streets, Philip met a woman with a dead baby in her arms. The inconsolable woman cried for a long time about her lost son. The Apostle, taking pity on the woman, approached her and, raising his hand to the child, resurrected him in the name of Jesus Christ. Seeing the revived child, the mother threw herself at the feet of the disciple of God and asked to baptize her in the name of the Lord. This is how the Apostle Philip converted the woman and baby to the faith. His life also tells about other miracles, because of which some, mostly ordinary people, were baptized, and the evil scribes and Pharisees denounced the innocent disciple.
In Greece
The Holy Apostle Philip continued his wanderings in the Hellenic land. There, a disciple of Christ preached, healed, and even once raised the dead. The news of this spread throughout Greece and reached the priests of Jerusalem, after which the bishop, together with the Pharisees, arrived in the land of the Hellenes.
Then, dressed in priestly robes, he decided to judge the Apostle Philip, accusing him of seducing the common people with his miracles. The priest, beside himself with rage, reproached the disciple that He was spreading a false faith. The bishop accused Philip and all the apostles of having themselves taken the body of the Lord from the tomb after his crucifixion. The people, hearing these words, shouted, demanding an answer from the apostle. At this moment, the Holy Spirit spoke on behalf of Philip, telling people the whole truth - how the tomb was closed with a heavy stone and a guard was posted, hoping to expose the Wanderer in a lie. But Christ rose again, having the power of God. And even the grave seals were not touched, as the apostle told the Hellenes about. The bishop, having heard the Truth, became furious and attacked Philip with an irresistible desire to strangle him. At the same moment, the priest lost his sight and became black as coal.
People, seeing the helpless, blind bishop, accused Philip of witchcraft and also wanted to destroy him. But everyone who tried to do this lost their sight and turned black, like a priest. At the same moment, the ground under the feet of the people began to go wild, causing them to tremble with fear.
Relics of Saint Philip the Apostle in Rome
After all, until now, all that was known about the relics of St. Apostle Philip was that around 560 they were transferred to Rome. There they now rest in the Church of the holy, glorious and all-praised twelve apostles. In the lower temple of this church there is a white stone tomb with the relics of the apostles Philip and James, the Lord's brother in the flesh.
Temple of the 12 Apostles in Rome. In the lower church under the altar there are the relics of the holy apostles Philip and James Alpheus
One hand of the holy Apostle Philip was kept in Constantinople in the Church of the Virgin Mary of All Immaculate. The Byzantine Emperor Manuel Komnenos gave it as a holy and precious pledge to his niece Mary. He presented the gift when he gave her away in 1167 in marriage to King Amorius of Jerusalem. He was the brother and successor of Baldwin III, of the House of Anjou. In 1204, this shrine was moved to Florence.
Saint Philip the Apostle
Appeal to the Lord
The Apostle Philip, unable to see the spiritual blindness of the enraged people, began to pray to the Lord in tears. The Almighty enlightened many people in the crowd, and they believed in Christ. And only the evil priest continued to stand his ground, sending blasphemy against the Lord. Unable to endure this, the Almighty made the earth open up and swallow the bishop. People who knew what the fear of God is, continued to be baptized and accept Christ into their souls. In the place of the deceased priest, the Apostle Philip appointed another bishop, who believed in Jesus with all his soul.
Journey to Azoth
After the conversion of the Greeks to Christianity, the Apostle Philip decided to go to Syria. Before this, he prayed and saw in the sky the image of a golden eagle, which spread its wings as the hands of Jesus Christ were nailed to the cross. Boarding the ship, Philip and the rest of the travelers headed to the Syrian city of Azoth. During the journey, a storm began, which led many to despair - it seemed that it was no longer possible to escape. But Philip, having strong faith, prayed unceasingly. Suddenly a cross appeared in the sky, illuminating the sky and sea waves with its light, and the storm immediately subsided. The Apostle, having arrived in the city, settled down with one elder. He had a daughter suffering from an eye disease. The whole family listened to the teaching with delight, especially this girl. Philip, seeing her spiritual delight, wished to heal the sick woman with the word of God, which he did. The elder’s family then accepted baptism.
Last refuge
After Azot, Philip went to another city in Syria - Hierapolis. Its inhabitants did not accept the disciple of Christ, wanting to stone him. Only one person stood up to defend the apostle, with whom Philip subsequently settled. His name was Ir. This man, who showed courage and was not afraid of the crowd, was baptized in the name of Christ. Hard-hearted people, unable to find peace for themselves, decided to set fire to the house where the apostle and Ir were located. Philip, having learned about the people's plan, went out into the courtyard. People rushed at the apostle like a hungry beast at its prey. Philip was brought to the ruler of the city, Aristarchus, who learned about a disciple of Christ who had appeared in their area. The mayor, furious and indignant, grabbed the apostle by the hair, and immediately his hand withered, and he himself became blind and deaf. The distraught people, being in fear, demanded that Philip heal the mayor. But the apostle could not do this until Aristarchus believed in the Lord. But the people, continuing to show Philip their cynicism and unbelief, asked him to heal the dead man who was about to be buried. In this case, they promised to convert to Christianity. The Apostle Philip fulfilled what the people, insatiable for spectacle, asked. The deceased was resurrected and, falling at the feet of the disciple of Christ, begged to be baptized. He thanked Philip for saving him from the demons who were dragging him into the underworld - eternal destruction for the soul.
The people unanimously began to glorify the Almighty, also wanting to be baptized. At this time, Philip asked the people to calm down, after which he handed Ira the sign of the cross, which he had to apply to Aristarchus’s withered hand, ears and eyes. The ruler was miraculously healed. Enthusiastic people decided to destroy their wooden idols and henceforth believe in one Lord. Orthodox Christianity claims that the Apostle Philip founded a temple in those parts and placed the faithful Ira at its head.
Death of a disciple of Christ
One day, the wife of the ruler of Hierapolis was bitten by a snake. The woman, having heard about the presence of apostles performing miracles in their lands, ordered to send for them. Philip, Bartholomew and Mariamne came to her house and healed the sick woman. The woman was baptized without a doubt.
Mayor Nikanor, having learned that his missus believed in Christ, ordered the apostles to be seized and condemned. The ruler gathered all the priests who wanted revenge on the disciples of Jesus.
At the trial, the mayor tore off the clothes of the apostles, being sure that all their strength lay in their vestments. Approaching Mariamne, the servants wanted to expose the young body of the virgin Mariamne, thereby discrediting him. But the Lord did not allow this to happen, illuminating the girl with such a bright flame that they fled in fear. So Mariamne remained untouched. The apostles suffered a bitter fate. The ruler ordered Philip to be crucified on a cross upside down in front of the place of worship of the viper. The apostle's feet were drilled and, having inserted ropes into them, they hung him up, thereby executing him. The same fate befell Bartholomew, who was crucified next to the temple. At that moment there was a terrible earthquake, the bowels of the earth spread, swallowing up the pagan priests and the ruler of the city. Those who believed in Christ tearfully asked the apostles to pray to God for an end to these horrors. Bartholomew managed to be taken down from the cross, and Philip died, which pleased the Lord. This is how the Apostle Philip ended his earthly journey. His life is truly sacred.
Prayers
- Troparion to the Apostle Philip, from 12, tone 3
The universe is adorned,/ Ethiopia rejoices,/ as if she were adorned with a crown,/ having been enlightened by you,/ your memory triumphs brightly,/ God-speaking Philip,/ you taught all to believe in Christ/ and he made the course worthy of the Gospel./ Thus the Ethiopian hand boldly brews to God,/ / Pray to Him to grant us great mercy.
- Kontakion to the Apostle Philip, from 12, tone 8
Disciple, and Thy friend, and imitator of Thy passion, / Thy sermon, O God-speaking Philip, more universal than God; / Keep Thy Church and all Thy cities with prayers from the most lawless enemies, / Keep the Mother of God, Much merciful.
During his lifetime, the Apostle Philip possessed a powerful gift of healing. That is why people still turn to him with requests to save them from various diseases. In front of the icon you can pray for the health of your loved ones. If your loved one is very sick, purchase an icon of the apostle and place it next to the sick person’s bed. If you are overcome by life's difficulties or find yourself in a hopeless situation, you can also say a prayer in front of the image of the Apostle Philip. Soon you will find a solution to your problems.
Apostle Philip. Icon
This saint is depicted in different images. On one of the icons he is depicted in green vestments with a red cape. In one hand he holds a bundle, and with his right hand he blesses everyone in the name of Christ.
Other icons depict the earthly path of the apostle. One of the most famous is the crucifixion of Philip in front of the place of worship of the echidna. In the image you can see that the apostle, bleeding, continues to silently pray. When you look at this icon for a long time, it seems that the halo above his head becomes even brighter.
The Holy Apostle Philip forgave his enemies and died on the cross
Crucifixion of the Holy Apostles Philip and Bartholomew
They hastily rushed to remove the crucified apostles from the cross. Saint Bartholomew was hanged low and was soon removed. But Philip, who was hung very high on the cross, could not be removed. But the Lord wanted the apostle to end his earthly life like that. Hanging on the cross, Saint Philip turned to God with fervent prayer. Firstly, about pardoning enemies. Secondly, that He would forgive them their sins. Thirdly, to enlighten the mind to the knowledge of the true God. The apostle’s prayer was heard: the earth returned from its depths everyone except the mayor and the priests, and the saved unanimously confessed Christ. After this, Philip gave up his spirit to God, and he, already dead, was taken down from the cross.
Saint Bartholomew performed baptism on all those who believed in the Lord and appointed Stachys their bishop. The converts honorably buried the body of St. Philip the Apostle on the city hill. In the place where the blood of the holy Apostle flowed, a grapevine grew in three days. The miracle signified that Saint Philip, for shedding his blood in the name of Christ, was enjoying eternal bliss with his Lord in His Kingdom.
In the name of the Lord and saints
The disciple of Christ Philip, whose life path was truly holy and filled with unshakable faith, deserved to have temples erected in his honor. For example, the Church of the Apostle Philip (Veliky Novgorod), dating back to 1194, is shaped like a ship. This style of construction is one of the most ancient and marks salvation for people. Just as you can cross the seas and oceans on a ship and get to the shore, so through the church you can find the Kingdom of God. The temple was reconstructed towards the end of the twentieth century.
Those who live in Moscow can visit the Church of the Apostle Philip on Arbat. The church was built in the 17th century and functions to this day. But it is not only in Russia that Philip the Apostle is glorified and revered. A church in honor of this disciple of Christ was also built in the United Arab Emirates, where the Orthodox flock is small but unshakable in its faith.
The Church of the Apostle Philip once existed on Kremlin Square, but at the moment the church has not been preserved (there is only one altar left) and, of course, there is no access there.
Faith in Christ and self-sacrifice in the name of the Lord is what will help people enter the Kingdom of Heaven, like Philip.
Notes
- Media files on Wikimedia Commons
- Apostle Philip. Orthodox church calendar.
- Lives of the Saints of Rostov, 1903-1916.
- Don region in the first centuries of Christianity
- Hierapolis (now Pamukkale). In the footsteps of St. Philip the Apostle
- The tomb of St. Philip the Apostle was discovered by Denizli (unspecified)
. Retrieved January 25, 2013. Archived February 1, 2013. - Archaeologists have discovered the tomb of Apostle Philip, 07/28/2011
