One of the oldest feasts in the East, it has been traced back to the beginning of the 2nd century. The Western Rite Church accepted this great Feast Day from the Eastern Rite Church in the 3rd century.
The glorious Prophet, Precursor and Baptist, who baptized Our Lord Jesus Christ in the River Jordan.
SS. Hyacinth and Emilian, Martyrs. Hyacinth of Amastris in Paphlagonia, died in prison of wounds received from torture. Emilian was a Christian of Dorostrium on the Danube (Silistria). He was burned to death under Emperor Julian the Apostate A.D. 362.
St. Dorotheus, Priest-Martyr, Bishop of Tyre, suffered banishment under Julian the Apostate A.D. 362 being 107 years of age.
SS. Akindynos, Pegasius, Aphdonius, Elpidephorus, and Anempodistus, Martyrs, suffered martyrdom for the Faith in Persia under King Sapor II about A.D. 345.
St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. His early Apostolic work was concerned with the Jews for whom he wrote his First Gospel in their own Aramaic tongue. He was martyred in Africa by fire.
St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. His early Apostolic work was concerned with the Jews for whom he wrote his First Gospel in their own Aramaic tongue. He was martyred in Africa by fire.
