Holy Glorious & All-Praised
Apostles Peter and Paul
Pillars and Founders of the Church
July 11
6:00pm – All-Night Vigil
July 12
9:10am – Confession & Hours
9:30am – Divine Liturgy
The Church combines their feast day due to their martyrdom in Rome on the same day. Saints Peter and Paul are considered foundational figures in Christianity, with Peter as the rock upon which the Church was built and Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles. The feast highlights the unity of the Church, represented by Peter (representing the universal Church) and Paul (representing the local church).
The Gadarenes witnessed the wondrous miracle of the Lord — the casting out of a legion of demons — and yet the entire city came out and begged Him "to depart from their region." There is no sign of hostility toward Him, but neither is there any sign of faith. They were gripped by a vague fear, by which they simply wished: go your way, wherever You will, just don’t touch us.
This is a true image of those who live peacefully upon their estates. Around them has formed a certain order of things — not unfavorable — and they have grown accustomed to it. They feel no inclination or need to change or abandon anything, and they fear taking any new step. Yet, sensing that should a command come from above, the fear of God and their conscience would compel them to forsake the old and accept the new, they do all they can to avoid circumstances that might lead them to such convictions — so that, hiding behind ignorance, they may continue living quietly in their old habits.
Such are those who are afraid to read the Gospel or the writings of the Fathers, or to engage in conversation about spiritual matters — fearing that their conscience might be stirred, and once awakened, would begin urging them to abandon one thing and accept another.
St. Theophan the Recluse
Dear brothers and sisters,
On July 13, the Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Holy Twelve Apostles — a day of special honor for the closest circle of Christ’s disciples, those whom the Lord Himself chose to bring the Good News of salvation to the world.
This feast takes place on the day following the commemoration of the Holy Chief Apostles Peter and Paul, because, according to the Church’s design, it is both fitting and meaningful that after glorifying these two great pillars of the Faith, we offer prayerful honor to the entire company of apostles — those who laid the foundation of Christ’s Church and bore witness to their love for the Savior through word, deed, and even martyrdom.
The apostles are not just distant historical figures. They are the ones through whom the Faith has come down to us. Each of them — with his own character, path, and trials — brought the light of Christ into the world. And that light continues to shine in the Church to this day.
May this day remind us of our own apostolic calling: to be witnesses of Christ in our daily lives. Let us lift up our prayers to the Holy Apostolic Synaxis, offering both thanksgiving and a plea for their help on our path to salvation.
