November 14, Feast Day of Agios Filipos the Apostle

by · Greek City Times

On November 14, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates Agios Filipos the Apostle, one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ.

Agios Filipos the Apostle

Filipos was from Bethsaida in Galilee, the same town as the Apostles Andrew and Peter. He knew the Holy Scriptures well and, understanding the prophecies of the Old Testament, was waiting for the coming of the Messiah.

When Christ called him with the words “Follow me”, Filipos went at once to find his friend Nathanael and told him: “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law, and also the Prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). When Nathanael doubted, Filipos simply replied: “Come and see.”

Filipos appears several times in the Gospel of John. Before the feeding of the five thousand, Christ asked him where bread could be bought for the crowd. In Jerusalem, it was to Filipos that a group of Greeks came with the request, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21). And at the Last Supper, he asked Christ, “Lord, show us the Father,” receiving the answer, “He who has seen me has seen the Father.”

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Preaching and martyrdom

After Pentecost, Filipos preached the Gospel in many parts of Asia Minor. According to tradition, he was martyred by crucifixion, upside down, in Hierapolis in Phrygia, in the reign of Emperor Domitian. His relics were later taken to Rome.

In 2011, Italian archaeologists working at Hierapolis, near today’s Pamukkale in Turkey, announced that they had found what they believe to be the tomb of the Apostle.

He should not be confused with Filipos the Deacon, one of the first seven deacons of the Church in Jerusalem, who is commemorated on October 11.

The start of the Christmas fast

The 40-day Nativity fast begins the day after his feast, on November 15, which is why it is also known in Greek tradition as the fast of Agios Filipos.

Today is also the name day of Filipos, Filippa and Filippos.

Xronia Polla!

Apolytikion in the Third Tone

O holy Apostle Filipos, intercede with the merciful God, that He grant our souls forgiveness of offences.

*Related: 2027 Greek Name Days: Full Calendar of Orthodox Name Days

*Religion on Greek City Times

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