Holy Apostle Philip

Life

By origin from Caesarea of Palestine. He was married, and in marriage fathered four daughters, all four endowed by God with the gift of prophecy, and all four consecrated virgins for the sake of Christ. When the holy apostles were choosing deacons, Philip was also chosen alongside Stephen and the others. And Philip served the poor and the widows with great diligence. When the persecution of Christians began in Jerusalem, the Apostle Philip withdrew to Samaria, and there he preached the Gospel and confirmed it with many miracles — casting out demons, healing the sick, and so forth. Seeing the miracles of the holy apostle, even the famed Simon the Sorcerer was baptized. Saint Philip also baptized the eunuch of Queen Candace. After that, an angel of God instantly and invisibly transported him to Azotus, where he taught and preached and converted many to Christ. He was appointed Bishop of Tralles. He ended his life peacefully in deep old age and departed to the joy of his Lord.

From the Hymn of Praise

### VENERABLE THEOPHANES THE BRANDED