Saint Tabitha

Life

Tabitha (which means "gazelle") was a disciple of the apostles and lived in Joppa, present-day Jaffa. She was full of good works and almsgiving (Acts 9:36). But she fell ill suddenly and died. At that time the Apostle Peter was in the city of Lydda. The grieving disciples sent for Peter, begging him to come and console the family. When the great Apostle of Christ arrived, he ordered everyone to leave the room where the dead woman lay, and he knelt in prayer. When he finished his prayer, he called out to the lifeless body: "Tabitha, arise!" And Tabitha opened her eyes and rose up. On account of this marvelous miracle, many believed in Christ the Lord.