Memory of Saint Tabitha

The Church commemorates the martyrs Marcian and Martyrius, and Saint Tabitha, who was a biblical figure.

Saint Tabitha, whose name in Greek means “dorcas” (gazelle), lived in Ioppi (Jaffa) and was full of good works and almsdeeds. She was known by everyone for her good housekeeping and her good deeds. When she became seriously ill and died, the grief of all the believers in the Church was indescribable.

As Saint Luke the Evangelist states in the book of Acts, while everything was ready for the funeral, they were informed that Saint Peter the Apostle was in nearby Lydda. Messengers were sent to him, and he willingly responded with the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Approaching the place where her body was being laid out for burial and calling the name of the Lord, he raised the dead Tabitha, who after this miracle still lived for many years, pleasing God with her holy life and ministering to her neighbor.

Source: Church of Cyprus