Apostle · 1st century
Timothy
Apostle Timothy of the Seventy
New Calendar January 22 Old Calendar February 4
Why they are a saint
Timothy was beloved disciple of Paul, recipient of two epistles; traditionally bishop of Ephesus and a martyr. The years given for this life are 1st century. His name is kept with the apostles of the Twelve or of the Seventy. The New Calendar feast is January 22.
Life
Saint Timothy was from Lystra in Lycaonia and was converted to Christ by the Apostle Paul in the year 52, together with his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. He became Paul's disciple and constant companion in preaching, and Paul in his Epistles calls him his beloved son.
Paul appointed him Bishop of Ephesus, where he remained fifteen years. When the pagans of Ephesus held a festival procession for their idols, Timothy tried to stop it and preach Christ; they beat him, dragged him along the ground and stoned him. He was martyred in the year 93, and in the fourth century his relics were placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople.
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 Timothy as a patron when they bear the name Timothy at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 22. Those who share his calling as a missionary also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy Timothy, 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.