26 October
Orthodox
St Tabitha
Missionary
Date of Birth: 1st century, Israel in Asia
Worked: Israel
Died: 1st century, Israel
Feast Day 25 October
St Tabitha is considered the patron saint of tailors and seamstresses, since she was known for sewing coats and other garments (Acts 9:39)
Saint Tabitha was also known as Dorcas. She was a married lay woman in Joppa (in modern Israel). Addiotionally, she was a Seamstress and a Widow. She has been mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. When she fell ill and died, she was raised from the dead by Saint Peter the Apostle.
PRAYER
O God, the exaltation of the lowly, who willed that blessed Tabitha should excel in the beauty of her charity and patience, grant through her merits and intercession that, carrying our cross each day, we may always persevere in love for you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
St Tabitha
“She was always doing good works and acts of charity.”
In this way Luke the Evangelist praises Saint Tabitha. The name Tabitha is Syriac and in Greek is translated as Dorcas, which means “deer”. Such was name of this most-pious and philanthropic woman, who lived in Joppa.
In the Acts of the Apostles (9:36-40) we are informed that Dorcas specialized as a weaver and manufactured tunics and garments, which she would sell and from these proceeds she supported the poor, widows and orphans.
While the Apostle Peter was out spreading the gospel, and he arrived in Lydda of Palestine, it happened that Dorcas fell ill and died. And though she was ready for burial, it became known that Peter was in Lydda. Then two were sent to plead with Peter to come to Joppa. When he arrived he went upstairs to the room in which they kept the body of Dorcas. Peter was moved, and without saying anything, after sending everyone outside the room, he knelt and prayed fervently. Then he said: “Tabitha, rise up.” And indeed the dead woman resurrected! This was received with immense joy by all those in attendance, and the event spread throughout Joppa, which led to many believing in Christ.
After this Tabitha lived many years, “always doing good works and acts of charity.” Death found her again in old age. And so this benevolent woman departed in peace and with joy, because God made her worthy to live beneficially full of good spiritual fruits.
Hymn to St Tabitha
By St. Nikolai Velimirovich
Tabitha died, not that she might no longer live,
But that the world might be astonished at the miracle which came to pass.
Beside her deathbed Peter humbly knelt,
And uttered fervent prayer unto the Lord.
She was resurrected in body! And the unbelievers heard
How the Lord hearkened to the apostle’s prayer
And returned the living soul to the dead body.
And Peter turned the unbelievers to the Faith.
O wondrous miracle, of a kind unknown in the world!
By the name of Christ, death was conquered.
Death was conquered, and life rejoices.
The young Tabitha rejoices in life;
And, more than in her own life,
She rejoices that she served as a wonder to the unbelieving world.
She was resurrected in body! The unbelievers heard,
And their own souls were raised from the dead.
O great Peter, servant of Christ,
Pray to our Savior for us;
Resurrect our souls, buried in the mud-
You, who revived Tabitha by the power of God.
Source: ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY