Righteous Joshua, Son of Nun (16th c. BC) — September 1 / September 14 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 1 according to the Julian Calendar (September 14 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Righteous Joshua, Son of Nun.

The Righteous Joshua, son of Nun, was the leader of the Hebrew people after the death of Moses. It fell to him to lead the Lord’s chosen people into the Promised Land. Through Joshua God worked many miracles: under the blessed one’s leadership the Hebrews crossed the river Jordan as if on dry land; the walls of Jericho collapsed of themselves after the Ark of the Covenant had been carried around the city for seven days; and finally, during the battle against the Canaanites at Gibeon, at Joshua’s command “the sun stood still in the midst of heaven” and set only when the enemy had been utterly defeated. When the war was over, Joshua the son of Nun divided the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, and at the age of one hundred and ten he peacefully gave up his soul to the Lord (16th century BC). Before his death he charged the Hebrews to remain faithful to the Law of Moses. These events are recounted in the Bible, in the Book of Joshua (chapters 3, 5, 7 and 10).