The Holy Apostle Timothy was from Lystra in Lycaonia and was converted to Christ around the year 52 by the Apostle Paul. After Paul healed a man crippled from birth, many in Lystra came to faith, including Timothy, his mother Eunice, and his grandmother Lois. Timothy became Paul’s beloved disciple, constant companion, and co-worker in preaching the Gospel. Praised for his faithfulness and devotion, he was appointed by Paul as Bishop of Ephesus, where he served for fifteen years. While imprisoned and awaiting martyrdom, Paul summoned Timothy for a final farewell.

Saint Timothy himself ended his life as a martyr in the year 93. During a pagan festival in Ephesus, he boldly confronted the idol worshippers, preaching the true faith in Christ and attempting to stop their procession. Enraged, the crowd beat, dragged, and stoned him to death. In the fourth century, his relics were transferred to Constantinople and placed in the church of the Holy Apostles. The Church honors Saint Timothy as one of the Apostles of the Seventy, and he is remembered as a model of faith, purity, and steadfast love for Christ.

Troparion — Tone 4

Having learned goodness and maintaining continence in all things, / you were arrayed with a good conscience as befits a priest. / From the chosen Vessel you drew ineffable mysteries; / you kept the faith, and finished a course equal to His. / Bishop martyr Timothy, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion — Tone 1

Let us the faithful praise the Holy Apostle Timothy, / the companion of Paul in his travels and together with him / let us honor the wise Anastasius, who came as a star from Persia / for the healing of the passions of our souls and the diseases of our bodies.