St. Titus

St. Titus

August 25th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Titus the Evangelist according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.St. Titus, a gentile by birth, was born on the island of Crete. In his early years, he studied Greek philosophy. Although a gentile, he lived a virtuous life throughout his youth. According to tradition, at the age of 20, he was persuaded through a voice in a dream to abandon the Hellenistic pagan world which does not lead to salvation. St. Titus first found in Scriptures the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob while reading Isaiah chapter 47. The governor of Crete, and uncle of Titus sent him to Palestine to investigate reports of a miracle worker and prophet. In the Holy Land, St. Titus witnessed the miracles and glory of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and became a believer. He thus became one of the Seventy Two (72) Evangelists commissioned by our Lord. The Bible lists among the languages spoken at Pentecost was that of Crete (Acts 2:11). Titus accepted Holy Baptism from St. Paul and became his disciple and joined him in travels, St. Paul took Titus to Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1) where Paul testifies against those calling for mandatory circumcision, "Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised." (Galatians 2:3). St. Paul greatly loved St. Titus, considering him a brother and partner in labouring for the Gospel. Around the time of his second imprisonment, Paul wrote the Epistle to St. Titus. Titus preached in Judea, Dalmatia and Crete, becoming the first bishop of the latter. During Paul's final stay in Rome, Titus stayed close to his spiritual father, and was greatly grieved by St. Paul's martyrdom. St. Titus returned to Crete and led the flock there till his peaceful death strengthening them all in the Christian faith. Oh Mor Theethose sabrono! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. AmenBiography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church Volume V'https://urhotheway.com/2020/08/25/st-titus/Among the Seventy Two (72) DisciplesRSoH