June 30, 2022
Common Feast of the 12 Holy Apostles
Beloved Members of Holy Apostles,
Christ is in our midst!
On this auspicious day of the celebration of the lives of the 12 Holy Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us first reflect on a hymn sung at the Great Vespers of this marvelous feast:
“Let us bless the honorable disciples! They were the eyewitnesses of the incarnate Word. They shine upon the world like flashes of lightning; as spiritual giants they bring sweetness to our souls. They are rivers of paradise, flowing with living water for the refreshment of the churches!”
This hymn of praise informs us of the great deeds and importance of these hand-picked men, specifically chosen by Jesus Christ for an express purpose. And what else does it tell us? It states that these men saw the living God in the flesh and were His intimate companions—eating with Him, conversing with Him, embracing Him, learning from His very mouth the words of eternal life. Their bold preaching was like lightning flashing into a dark world, illuminating it with the light of truth. Their courageous faith and exemplary martyrdoms spiritually edify the faithful and instill ever more fervor in our souls to live for Christ. And their divine teaching, being from heaven itself, irrigates the barrenness of souls and quenches the thirst of humanity, because they bear the message of life everlasting to those who would receive Jesus Christ and confess Him to be the Son of God. For all this we bless the Holy Twelve and honor them with hymns and services.
Brothers and sisters, let us be inspired by the Apostles of the Lord, who preached the Good News throughout the world and died out of their love for Christ as martyrs. May our faith be invigorated and renewed on this blessed Feast, for we are blessed to have our church dedicated to the Holy Apostles. May it not be in vain. Let us imitate them.
Wishing you and our entire Holy Apostles parish a Happy Name Day,
With love in Christ,
