Feast of Apostle Matthew: History, Traditions, and Its Significance in the Christian Calendar
Every year on August 9th, Eastern Christian believers celebrate a special day — the memory of the Holy Apostle Matthew, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, who replaced Judas Iscariot in the Apostolic circle.
This holiday holds profound historical and religious importance, commemorating the missionary journeys and teachings of the apostle who played a crucial role in spreading the gospel message.
According to biblical accounts, Matthew was born in Bethlehem and from a young age studied God’s Law under the guidance of the holy Simeon the God-receiver.
When Jesus began His ministry, Matthew became one of the seventy disciples who followed Christ, preached His word, and spread His teachings.
After Christ’s ascension, Matthew was recognized as the twelfth apostle, succeeding Judas Iscariot.
His missionary travels took him through regions such as Syria, Tiana, Synope, Amasia, and even the Pontic Ethiopia (modern Western Georgia), where he witnessed and performed numerous miracles and faced martyrdom.
Legends narrate that during his journey in Macedonia, he was tested by pagans who offered him a cup of poison, which would cause anyone else to immediately go blind.
However, Matthew drank it and miraculously healed over 250 people by laying on hands in the name of Christ.
His courage and unwavering faith instilled fear among the pagans, who then sought to kill or imprison him.
Using his spiritual power, Matthew once vanished from the sight of his persecutors when they tried to apprehend him.
According to other sources, he was violently persecuted by the high priest Anan and his followers, who managed to capture him and bring him to Jerusalem’s Sanhedrin court, where he was sentenced to death — either stoned or crucified.
It is believed that Matthew was either executed in Colchis or in regions corresponding to present-day Georgia.
In ancient Ukrainian tradition, certain restrictions were observed on this day: people refrained from arguing, cursing, wishing ill, or engaging in negotiations, as it was believed that any deed begun on this day with violations of these rules would end in failure.
Visiting others or holding parties was also discouraged to avoid conflicts.
Only household members were permitted to stay at home, and leftover food was not to be discarded, as this was believed to bring misfortune.
Additionally, it was thought that herbs should not be used on this day since their healing properties would be diminished and could turn into poison, threatening health.
This holiday celebrates not just the historical deeds of the apostle but also encourages Christians to remain faithful to their beliefs, value spiritual virtues, and avoid quarrels in daily life.