Friday, September 4

Apostolic · 1st century

Holy Apostle Philip

Apostle of the Twelve from Bethsaida

Philip of Bethsaida, fellow townsman of Peter and Andrew, was called by Christ himself — 'follow me' — and immediately became a bringer of others, finding Nathanael with the words 'come and see.' John's Gospel keeps his voice: it was Philip whom Jesus tested before feeding the five thousand, Philip whom Greek pilgrims approached wishing to see Jesus, and Philip whose request at the Supper, 'Lord, show us the Father,' drew the answer 'he who has seen me has seen the Father.' He should be distinguished from Philip the Deacon of Acts, though early writers already conflated the two and their traditions intertwine. Later accounts bring the apostle to Asia Minor — Hierapolis in Phrygia claims his martyrdom, by tradition crucified head downward, and an ancient tomb-shrine there bore his name. His feast opens the Nativity Fast, which Slavic usage calls St Philip's Fast.

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