August 9: Saint Matthias the Apostle is celebratedtranslated

Today, the Church honors the memory of the Apostle Matthias, the Martyrs Alexios, Demetrius, James, Julian, John and Leontius, who remained steadfast in their faith, as is the case today in countries where persecutions occur. Matthias was chosen by the apostles by lot between two people and took the place of Judas Iscariot, who from being a disciple chose to become a traitor. Immediately after the Lord's Ascension into heaven, the Apostles gathered and at Peter's prompting "set up two men, Joseph called Barsavan", who was called Justus, and "Matthew", and after they had all prayed together they cast lots. "The lot fell on Matthias, and he was voted in after the eleven Apostles" (Acts 1, 26).

In all probability he belonged to the wider circle of the 70 Apostles. Ancient ecclesiastical tradition states that he first preached in Judea and then went to Ethiopia, where he completed his missionary work with a martyr's death on the cross by the pagans. Another historical tradition states that he was killed in Sevastopol, and another version that he received the crown of martyrdom in Jerusalem.

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