Family - Saint Matthias
![[Saint Matthias]](/images/st_matthias.gif)
Saintly Lives: St. Matthias the Apostle
(Commemorated August 9th )
“O Holy Apostle Matthias, intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offences” (Apolytikion of St. Matthias)
After Judas betrayed Christ and hanged himself out of despair, the remaining 11 Apostles gathered after the Ascension to elect a new Apostle—so that the “family” of those chosen to be Apostles could once again be made whole and ministry could continue. 120 holy people were discussed as possibilities, and then the field was narrowed to two: Joseph, called Barsabas, and Matthias, who was always among “the 70” known as Disciples of Christ. Then the Apostles prayed to God and cast lots, "and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles" (Acts 1: 15-26). Tradition holds that Matthias then spent years preaching the Gospel in Ethiopia, and completed his life there in martyrdom.
Making it real. Did you notice how the Apostles did not make a hasty decision about Joseph and Matthias? Before they cast lots, they “prayed to God.” Discuss with your child the importance of beginning important jobs or events with prayer, whether it’s at the beginning of a new school year, before a trip, or before beginning a difficult discussion with a friend or family member. Point out to them that throughout life, our decisions will simply be better—and we’ll be more at peace with them—if we make them with prayerful effort. Lead by example, and show your children that you are practicing what you preach!
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