ST. TIMOTHY OF LYSTRA (JAN. 22ND)

A Coptic Icon of St. Timothy of Lystra, Apostle, Disciple of St. Paul, Early Bishop of the Church and Holy Martyr

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

In the early years of the Apostolic Church, St. Timothy, the beloved disciple of St. Paul, stood as a pillar of faith, a gentle yet resolute shepherd of Christ's flock. Born in Lystra, a city of Lycaonia, Timothy grew up in a household marked by the faith of his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, who nurtured him in the sacred writings of the Old Testament (2 Timothy 1:5). Though his father was a Greek and likely a pagan, Timothy's heart was firmly rooted in the promises of Israel's God, who would call him into the fullness of the Gospel. 

St. Paul first encountered Timothy on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). Impressed by Timothy’s reputation among the brethren and perceiving in him a gift for ministry, Paul took him under his wing, circumcising him to avoid offending Jewish communities they sought to evangelize. From that moment, Timothy became a steadfast companion and spiritual son to the Apostle, enduring the rigors of missionary labor and the perils of persecution for the sake of Christ. 

Timothy's character was marked by humility, courage, and a love for the truth. Paul entrusted him with critical missions, including overseeing the church in Ephesus, where he was charged to guard against false teaching, uphold sound doctrine, and shepherd the faithful (1 Timothy 1:3-5). In his letters to Timothy, Paul exhorted him to "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12), to "preach the word" with patience and boldness (2 Timothy 4:2), and to set an example in "speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). These pastoral epistles remain a testament to Timothy’s faithful ministry and a guide for clergy in every generation. 

Timothy's life was not without suffering. According to tradition, he continued to minister in Ephesus after Paul’s martyrdom in AD 64. There, he bore witness against pagan idolatry, denouncing the licentious festivals dedicated to Artemis. His boldness enraged the mob, and he was beaten and stoned to death, receiving the martyr’s crown around AD 97. 

The Church remembers St. Timothy not only as an apostolic figure but also as a model of discipleship, one who labored tirelessly for the unity and sanctity of Christ's Church. His life reflects the pastoral heart of Christ, who gathers His sheep and guards them from harm, and his martyrdom seals his witness to the power of the Gospel. 

GREEK HYMN TO ST. TIMOTHY

O holy Timothy, faithful disciple and pastor, 

Thou who didst labor with Paul and receive his sacred charge, 

Pray for us, that we may guard the faith unswervingly, 

And proclaim Christ with boldness unto the ends of the earth. 

COLLECT 

Almighty God, who didst call thy servant Timothy to the ministry of the Gospel and the oversight of thy Church: Grant that we, being instructed by his example and strengthened by his prayers, may steadfastly fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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