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St. Apostle Carp from 70
Follower and collaborator of St. Apostle Paul, as can be seen from the recollection of him by the Chief Apostle in his letter to Timothy (2 Tim. 4:13): “When you go, bring the phelonion that I left in Troas with Carpus, and books, especially leather ones.” Karp carried messages from Ap. Paul according to his appointment; was a bishop in the Macedonian city of Beria; zealously cared for the spread of the faith of Christ. However, one day, when, in a fit of exaggerated jealousy, he was greatly indignant at the return of one Christian to pagan errors and, fearing that his example would not be contagious for other newly converted people, began to pray to God to punish the seducer and the one led astray, he was admonished, as St. Dionysius the Areopagite, with the following vision: during the prayer of his St. Ap. Karp saw in the open heavens Jesus Christ, surrounded by angels, and below - a deep abyss, above which stood a Christian seduced into paganism and his seducer.
Struck by an invisible force, they were horrified and trembled, ready to fall into the abyss, where a terrible snake crawled among the flames. St. Carp, filled with great joy at the sight of destruction threatening sinners, continued to pray for its completion... But suddenly the Apostle sees Christ descending from the throne of His glory; he sees that Christ approaches the perishing, extends a helping hand to them with love, and the angels lead them away from the abyss...
- Why do you wish your brothers to perish? - Christ turns to His Apostle, - imitate Me and do not desire the death of the sinner, but turn to him and live...
In this vision, the Apostle saw his unreasonable zeal for faith... The Lord showed him the height of love, which embraces everyone, even apostates and enemies of the faith, seeking only their salvation...
Consequently, it is not confusion beyond measure that should torment the zealots of the truth, but in their hearts there should live the hope that the Lord is omnipotent to enlighten those who walk in darkness and that in the end “all the sheep will hear His voice, for He must bring them, that there may be one flock and one Shepherd,” according to His immutable promise... (John 10:16).
St. Apostle Alpheus, father of the holy Apostles from the 12: Matthew the Evangelist and James Alpheus, and the holy martyrs Averky and Helena
St. Apostle Alpheus, father of the 12 holy Apostles: Matthew the Evangelist and James Alpheus, and the holy martyrs Averky and Helen, who accepted death for confessing the faith of Christ; Averky - naked and tied up was left among the bees and died from ulcerations caused by the bees; Elena was stoned.