Today the Church remembers St. Matthias, Apostle and Martyr.
Ora pro nobis.
St. Matthias (died c. 80 AD) was, according to the Acts of the Apostles, the apostle chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot following Judas' betrayal of Jesus and his subsequent death. His calling as an apostle is unique, in that his appointment was not made personally by Jesus, who had already ascended into heaven, and it was also made before the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the early Church.
According to the canonical Book of Acts, Matthias (so called to avoid confusion with the other Apostle St. Matthew) had been with Jesus from his baptism by John until his Ascension. In the days following, Peter proposed that the assembled disciples, who numbered about one hundred-twenty, nominate two men to replace Judas. They chose Joseph called Barsabas (whose surname was Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all people, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." [Acts 1:24–25] Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
The tradition of the Greeks says that St. Matthias planted the faith about Cappadocia and on the coasts of the Caspian Sea, residing chiefly near the port Issus.
According to Nicephorus, Matthias first preached the Gospel in Judaea, then in the region of Colchis, now in modern-day Georgia, and was there stoned to death. It should be noted that modern Georgia is almost entirely Christian, a testament to the faithful preaching of the true Gospel of Jesus there by Matthias.
Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy Apostle martyr Matthias who proclaimed the Godpel of Jesus in many lands and who triumphed over suffering and was faithful even to death: Grant us, who now remember him in thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to you in this world, that we may receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Amen.
