The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles Paul

Short life

Paul was from the tribe of Benjamin and lived in Tarsus of Cilicia. He described himself as a Hebrew, an Israelite, and a descendant of Abraham. Before his conversion, he was called Saul. He was a Pharisee, had studied the Law in Jerusalem with Gamaliel, and worked as a tent-maker. At first Saul persecuted the Church. The Acts of the Apostles records that he was present at the stoning of Saint Stephen. On the road to Damascus, Christ appeared to him. Saul was blinded by the vision, and Ananias later laid his hands upon him; he was healed and then baptized.

Life and context

Following his baptism, Paul gave his life to proclaiming the Gospel. He preached in Greece, Asia Minor, and Rome. The source attributes fourteen Epistles to him. In the hymns for the feast, Saints Peter and Paul are called koryphaioi: leaders and chiefs of the Apostles. In ancient Greek tragedy, the koryphaioi led the chorus, setting the pattern for its singing, movements, and gestures. This image expresses the leading place given to Peter and Paul among the apostolic witnesses to Christ. Paul’s labors joined teaching, travel, and pastoral care for Christian communities.

Why he is venerated

The Church venerates Paul as an Apostle whose whole life was changed by his encounter with Christ. His preaching and epistles have helped generations of Christians receive and preserve the faith. His conversion does not hide the seriousness of his earlier persecution; rather, it reveals the call to repentance and the mercy of God. Church tradition says that he was martyred in Rome around the year 68. On his feast, the faithful may ask for courage in confessing Christ, read his epistles attentively, and seek faithfulness in their own daily service. His memory calls Christians to unite zeal with humility and truth.

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