Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
Sts. Peter and Paul stand as a symbol of the New Testament Church. St. Peter's prominence among the Apostles is clear - he was among the 12 and enjoyed a unique place in the stories of the gospel. St. Paul was a convert, an outsider to the 12, but was easily the most effective evangelist and theologian of that first generation.
The two had ministries in Antioch that overlapped each other and they clashed at that time over the place of gentiles in the Church. St. Paul, years later, said that he "withstood Peter to his face."
Eventually, they both found they way to Rome, the capital city of the empire. And there they shared the distinction of martyrdom - St. Peter being crucified and St. Paul beheaded. It is fitting that they share a feast day, forever commemorated in their love for Christ.
Vespers will be celebrated for the feast, Tuesday night at 6:30. The Divine Liturgy for the feast will be Wednesday morning at 8.
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