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St. Timothy

St. Timothy was an early Christian evangelist and a trusted companion of St. Paul the Apostle. He was born in Lystra (modern-day Turkey) to a Greek father and a Jewish-Christian mother, Eunice. His grandmother, Lois, was also noted for her piety, and both women played an important role in teaching Timothy the Scriptures from a young age.

St. Paul met Timothy during his second missionary journey and was so impressed by his faith and dedication that he invited him to join him in spreading the Gospel. Timothy became a close associate of Paul, accompanying him on many of his missions and serving as an emissary to various early Christian communities. Paul referred to Timothy as his “beloved and faithful child in the Lord” and “his true son in the faith,” highlighting the deep spiritual bond they shared.

Timothy was instrumental in the leadership of the early Church and was appointed by Paul to oversee the Christian community in Ephesus. He received two epistles (1 Timothy and 2 Timothy) from Paul, which are part of the New Testament and provide guidance on pastoral duties, church leadership, and maintaining sound doctrine.

Tradition holds that Timothy remained a faithful leader in Ephesus until his death. He is believed to have been martyred around the year 97 AD under the Roman emperor Domitian, after protesting a pagan festival in the city.

St. Timothy is venerated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, and his feast day is celebrated on January 26. He is the patron saint of those who suffer from stomach ailments, possibly referencing Paul’s advice in 1 Timothy 5:23 about using a little wine for his health.

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