Orthodox Icon of Saint Priscilla

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July 14th
Troparion (Tone 8)
Through thee the divine likeness was securely preserved, O Mother Priscilla; for thou didst carry the cross and followed Christ. By example and precept thou didst teach us to ignore the body because it is perishable, and to attend to the concerns of the undying soul. Therefore, doth thy soul rejoice with the angels.

Priscilla was the wife of Holy Apostle Aquila. Aquila had been one of the 70 whom Jesus had sent out to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. They lived in Italy until Claudius decreed the exile of all Jews from Italy. The Apostle Paul met them in Corinth and baptised them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. They had only received the baptism of John prior to this. Paul stayed in their home for 18 months. They then followed Paul to Ephesus and established a church in their house (1 Corinthians 16:19). They discipled Apollos, who then became an apostolic preacher for Christ. After Claudius' death, they went to Rome and established a church in their home there. They then returned to Ephesus to work with Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:19) Aquila served as a Bishop in the Church, discipling and ordaining many to the ministry. It is interesting to note that in all mentions of them Priscilla is mentioned first, except in the references to the churches in their houses, where Aquila is mentioned first. She was definitely a teacher and an evangelist without usurping or undermining her husband's ecclesial authority. Priscilla & Aquila were martyred for Christ at the hands of a pagan mob.

Some have speculated that Priscilla penned the Epistle to the Hebrews. It is not signed indicating that it was not personally written by Paul, but it was definitely under his influence and authority. It is felt Priscilla did not sign it for fear it would not be readily received from the hand of a woman.

This icon is by the hand of Nicholas Papas of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

Order # inp-73