The Name day of
everyone called Timotey (quite a rare name in Bulgaria).
The Holy Apostle Timothy was from the Lycaonian city of Lystra in Asia
Minor. Saint Timothy was converted to Christ in the year 52 AD by the
holy Apostle Paul. When the Apostles Paul and Barnabas first visited
the cities of Lycaonia, Saint Paul healed one crippled from birth.
Many of the inhabitants of Lystra then believed in Christ, and among
them was the future Saint Timothy, his mother Eunice and grandmother
Loida (Lois).
The seed of faith, planted in the soul of Saint
Timothy by the Apostle Paul, brought forth abundant fruit. He became
Saint Paul's disciple, and later his constant companion and co-worker
in the preaching of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul loved Saint Timothy
and in his Epistles called him his beloved son, remembering his
devotion and fidelity with gratitude.
He wrote to Timothy: "You have followed my teaching,
way of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, and patience". The
Apostle Paul appointed Saint Timothy as Bishop of Ephesus, where the
saint remained for fifteen years. Finally, when Saint Paul was in
prison and awaiting martyrdom, summoned his faithful friend, Saint
Timothy, for a last farewell.
Saint Timothy ended his life as a martyr.
The pagans of Ephesus celebrated a festival in honour of their idols,
and carried them through the city, accompanied by impious ceremonies
and songs. Saint Timothy, zealous for the glory of God, attempted to
halt the procession and reason with the spiritually blind
idol-worshipping people, by preaching the true faith in Christ. The
pagans angrily fell upon the holy apostle, they beat him, dragged him
along the ground, and finally, they stoned him. Saint Timothy's
martyrdom occurred in the year 93 AD.
In the 4th century AD the holy relics of Saint Timothy were
transferred to Constantinople and placed in the church of the Holy
Apostles near the tombs of Saint Andrew and Saint Luke. The Church
honours Saint Timothy as one of the Apostles of the Seventy.
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PEACE HAVENS of BULGARIA
