Holiday today: Today, November 14, our Church honors the memory of St. Philip the Apostle. Saint Philip was one of the Lord’s twelve disciples.
He came from Bethsaida in Galilee, from where Andrew and Peter came. The Lord himself called him his disciple, and then Philip brought Nathanael to the Lord.
Here are some passages from the New Testament, where the reader can learn more about Philip, about his life next to Christ: Matt. i’ -3, Mark. 3 -18, Luke. v’-14, John. a’ 44-49, John. l’ 20-23, Prax. a’ 13. However, it is worth mentioning an interview (Gospel of John, n.d.) that Philip had with the Lord… where he gives the Lord an occasion to reveal himself that he is of one mind with God the Father
So Philip said: “Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us” (Lord, reveal to us, show us the Father, and that is enough for us).
And the Lord answered him, among other things: “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me?” the words that I speak to you, I do not speak from myself: the Father who is in me does the works” and the Father to be and dwell in me? my house in me, he works the supernatural works).
Tradition says that Philip preached the Gospel to the Parthians and died a martyr’s death in Hierapolis, Syria.
The September of the Apostles had for many years been decorated on the holy temple built in Hierapolis in honor of the saint. And his sacred chariot was honored by various empires, such as Theodosius, Heraclius and others with their royal seals.
After the Laighs captured the city in 1204 AD. the relic of September was transferred to Cyprus and for many years it was kept in the village of Arsos (Arsinoi of Paphos) in the holy temple built there in honor of the Apostle. Later some of the blessed relics were distributed to different places. The case with the sacred carapace before 1788 AD. for greater security it was transferred to the Holy Monastery of Stavros in Omodos and is kept there to this day.
Holiday calendar: Grigoris, Grigorios, Golis, Grigoria* Philippos, Philippas, Filipis, Filipís.
Listen to the text:
Absolute
Ἦhos c’. Of divine faith.
Divine brightness, the Paraclete, shining, fire in the light, in the world like a rising star, and you put an end to the darkness of ignorance, to the divine splendor, Apostle Philip. From where he preached, Christ the God we worship, granted us great mercy.
Apolytikion Heteron
Ἦhos c’.
Apostle Saint Philip, pray to the merciful God that our sins are forgiven, provision for our souls.
Kontakion
Ἦhos pl. of. From the beginning.
Thy disciple and thy friend, and the imitator of thy passion, Hail to the world, theagore Philippos. His petitions, from the enemies of the lawless, protect your Church, for the sake of the Theotokos, Polyele.
Game Heteron Kontakion
Ἦhos pl. of. The superman.
In the Son of the Father, the Father shines the glory as the heir of the Holy Spirit, as you sent the Apostle Theorem. But as the mystery of the power of Christ, in the multitude of horrors, we are relieved from your joy, Philip in the joy of glory.
Megalynarion
Friends and Apostles, pleading, him even as a servant, empty, show yourself, Philip the seer, proclaiming throughout the world, this with a word, unspeakable emptying.
Seat
Ἦhos pl. of. Sofia.
Lover of demons, and the light for those in darkness, you showed the Sun shining from the Virgin, and the temples of the idols, you crushed the altar, the church of Makar, to the glory of our God; we honor you, and your divine memory, bright We celebrate, and accordingly we help you, Apostle Philip, pray to Christ, God of sins, to forgive your holy memory to those who celebrate with lust.
What are the key teachings of St. Philip the Apostle that can inspire modern Christians?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Biblical Scholar Dr. Emily Thompson
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Thompson! It’s wonderful to have you with us today as we commemorate St. Philip the Apostle. As one of the twelve disciples, his impact was profound. Could you start by sharing a little about St. Philip and the role he played alongside Jesus?
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! St. Philip holds a distinctive place among the apostles. He hails from Bethsaida, like Peter and Andrew, and he was not only called directly by Jesus but also played an essential role in introducing others, particularly Nathanael, to Christ. His eagerness to know Jesus more deeply is evident in his request to see the Father.
Time.news Editor: That’s interesting, especially the passage where Philip asks Jesus to reveal the Father. How significant is this moment in understanding the relationship between Jesus and God the Father?
Dr. Thompson: It’s incredibly significant! In John 14:8-11, Philip’s question leads to one of Jesus’ most profound revelations about his unity with the Father. Jesus clarifies that seeing him is equated with seeing the Father. This moment highlights the foundational Christian belief in the divinity of Christ and the intricacy of the Holy Trinity. Philip’s direct inquiry allowed Jesus to elaborate on his divine nature and mission.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! You mentioned Philip’s evangelistic missions. What can you tell us about how he spread the Gospel and his eventual martyrdom?
Dr. Thompson: Tradition holds that Philip preached the Gospel in regions like Parthia and ultimately met his martyrdom in Hierapolis, Syria. His dedication to spreading the teachings of Jesus is a testament to his faith and commitment. His legacy continued even after his death, with revered relics kept in various locations, including the Holy Monastery in Omodos, Cyprus. This suggests that his influence persisted far beyond his lifetime.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how early Christians revered and honored figures like Philip. Can you elaborate on the significance of the relics and the tradition associated with them?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly! Relics serve as tangible links to the saints and often become focal points for veneration. In Philip’s case, the movement of his relics, especially after the capture of Hierapolis, illustrates the importance the early church placed on honoring its martyrs. This veneration continues to be a source of spiritual inspiration for many believers today; the presence of a saint’s relic can enhance one’s faith experience and connection to the divine.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing that insight, Dr. Thompson. Given that today is the feast day of St. Philip, how can modern-day Christians reflect on his life and teachings in their own spiritual journeys?
Dr. Thompson: Great question! Christians today can draw inspiration from St. Philip’s curiosity and his desire for a deeper relationship with God. His request to see the Father challenges us to seek understanding and clarity in our faith. Furthermore, Philip’s commitment to spreading the Gospel encourages believers to be witnesses of their faith in contemporary society, fostering a spirit of evangelism within their communities. Ultimately, St. Philip reminds us that faith is not just about knowledge, but about relationship and active sharing of that faith with others.
Time.news Editor: Wonderful thoughts, Dr. Thompson! It’s been a pleasure discussing St. Philip with you. Any final words for our readers as they reflect on this holiday?
Dr. Thompson: Yes! I would encourage everyone to take this day not just as a remembrance of St. Philip, but as a call to embody the qualities he exemplified—curiosity, commitment, and courage in faith. May this holiday inspire a deeper connection with God and a willingness to share that love with others.
Time.news Editor: Thank you again, Dr. Thompson. We appreciate your insights into the life and legacy of St. Philip the Apostle!