Apostle · 1st century
Paul
The Holy, All-Praised Apostle Paul
New Calendar June 29 Old Calendar July 12
Why they are a saint
Paul once a persecutor, converted on the road to Damascus; apostle to the nations and author of many New Testament epistles; martyred in Rome. The years given for this life are 1st century. His name is kept with the apostles of the Twelve or of the Seventy.
Life
Saint Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin and lived in Tarsus in Cilicia. A Pharisee and a tent-maker, he had studied the Law with Gamaliel in Jerusalem. At first called Saul, he persecuted the Church and was present at the stoning of Saint Stephen.
On the road to Damascus Christ appeared to him and called, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' Blinded by the vision, he was healed when Ananias laid his hands on him, and he was baptized. He preached the Gospel in Greece, Asia Minor and Rome and wrote fourteen Epistles.
Tradition says he was martyred in Rome about the year 68. He is honoured with Saint Peter on June 29 as one of the leaders of the Apostles.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints · 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 Paul as a patron when they bear the name Paul at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on June 29. Those who share his calling as a missionary, preacher also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy Paul, 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.