Apostle · 1st century
Matthias
Apostle Matthias
New Calendar August 9 Old Calendar August 22
Why they are a saint
He chosen by lot to take the place of Judas Iscariot among the Twelve (Acts 1). The years given for this life are 1st century. The faithful remember the apostles as the foundation of the Church's preaching. The New Calendar feast is August 9.
Life
Saint Matthias was born at Bethlehem, of the tribe of Judah, and from childhood studied the Law under Saint Simeon the God-Receiver. He believed in Christ, followed Him constantly and was numbered among the Seventy. After the Ascension he was chosen by lot to take the place of Judas among the Twelve (Acts 1:15-26).
He preached in Jerusalem and Judea, then with Peter and Andrew in Syrian Antioch and Cappadocia, where Andrew freed him from prison. Tradition says he preached in Pontine Ethiopia (western Georgia) and Macedonia, preserved by God from many dangers.
Returning to Judea, he was brought before the Sanhedrin by the high priest Ananias, showed from the prophecies that Jesus is the Messiah, and was condemned and stoned; some historians say instead that he was crucified at Colchis. He received the martyr's crown in the year 63.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Matthias as a patron when they bear the name Matthias at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 9. Those who share his calling as a missionary also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy Matthias, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.