Righteous Tabitha (1st Century) — October 25 / November 7 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 25 according to the Julian Calendar (November 7 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the righteous Tabitha. As the Acts of the Apostles relates, she lived in Lydia and “was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” Suddenly the blessed woman fell gravely ill and died. At that time the Apostle Peter was preaching in Lydia. The faithful sent men to Saint Peter and humbly besought him: “Delay not to come to us.”

When Peter arrived, the widows, weeping, “showed him the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” Then the chief of the apostles ordered everyone to go outside, knelt beside the body, prayed fervently, and then, turning to the corpse, said: “Tabitha, arise!” The dead woman opened her eyes and, seeing Peter, sat up. The holy apostle called the gathered Christians and “presented her alive.” This miracle became known throughout the whole city, and many believed in the incarnate Savior (Acts 9:36–42).