Orthodox Icon of Saint Matthew

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November 16th
Troparion (Tone 3)
O Apostle Matthew, thou didst hear the Voice of the Word and receive the light of faith. Thou didst abandon the office of publican and proclaim Christ God's Self-emptying. Ask that those who praise thee may receive forgiveness and great mercy.

Matthew, the tax-collector, followed Christ (Mt. 9:9). After Pentecost, he preached the gospel in Ethiopia. He wrote his Gospel in Aramaic. It was soon translated into Greek. The Aramaic original was lost. He consecrated Plato as bishop and retreated to a mountain. Matthew baptized the wife and son of the prince, which enraged the prince. When the prince went to arrest him, he was struck blind. Matthew prayed for his sight and it was restored. He still tortured him, twice lighting fires on his chest. St. Matthew remained unharmed, but finally prayed for Christ to receive his soul. The prince put the Apostle's body in a leaden casket and buried it at sea. Plato miraculously recovered his body. At this the prince converted and took the name Matthew and served as a priest.

This Icon is by the hand of a priest who wishes to be anonymous and is on the Royal Doors at St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church, Conemaugh, Pennsylvania.

Order # ftj-02