July 13 - Feast of the Holy and Glorious Twelve Apostles.

      July 13 – The Feast of the Holy, Glorious, and All-Praised Twelve Apostles. The feast of the Holy, Glorious, and All-Praised Twelve Apostles of Christ is an ancient celebration. The Holy Church, honoring each of the 12 apostles at different times of the year, established the common commemoration for them on the day after the feast of the illustrious and primary apostles Peter and Paul. Saint Constantine the Great (306–337) built in Byzantium a church dedicated to the Holy Twelve Apostles. References to this celebration date back to the 4th century.

      Troparion, tone 3:

      "As a radiant lamp shining through the Twelve, illumined by Christ’s apostles in multitude, Peter and Paul with Luke, Andrew and John, Bartholomew, Philip with Matthew and Simon, Mark, James, and the blessed Thomas, and illuminating the faithful who cry aloud: Rejoice, glory of the Venerable."

      Kontakion, tone 4:

      "The twelve-mouthed choir of the glorious and wise apostles, inspired by the divine rays of the Holy Spirit, bear witness to all virtue and preach the divine doctrine, while refraining from idle talk in tongues. Praising them, we speak clearly: Rejoice, secret-keepers and servants of Christ."

      Prayer:

      Lord Almighty, our God, Who chose Your beloved disciples and apostles to preach salvation to the whole world, granting them authority to forgive sins and judging with them, and possessing the same divine power, we, unworthy and courageous in Your presence for the salvation of our souls, beseech You earnestly: Holy first-martyr apostles Peter and Paul, Evangelists John the Theologian and Matthew, the foremost disciple Andrew, who blessed Russia by erecting the Cross, and the holy apostles James, brother of the Lord, along with John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Simon, Jude, and Matthew—help us mighty and through Your intercession deliver us from all evil and hatred, preserve the holy and authentic faith which they established, free us from wounds, oppression, slander, or wrath from the Creator, and grant us peaceful living here and prepare us to see the good things prepared for the living land, glorifying the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One in Trinity, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

      Veneration:

      We praise you, holy and numerous apostles, who enlightened the whole world by your teaching and led all ends to Christ. (Orthodox Internet edition "Alphabet of Faith").

      July 13 – Day of remembrance of the venerable Peter, Grand Prince of the Horde (Ростовский) (1290).

      Venerable Peter, Grand Prince of the Horde, was a nephew of the khan of the Golden Horde, Berke. In 1253, the hierarch Cyril, Bishop of Rostov (memory May 21), went to the Horde to petition for the needs of his diocese and spoke of the miracles performed at the relics of Saint Leontius (memory May 23). Among the listeners was a young nephew of the khan, who was very impressed by the hierarch’s story. Some time later, Berke’s son fell ill. Remembering the bishop’s stories of healings, he summoned Bishop Cyril, and through his prayers, the sick was healed. The khan generously rewarded Cyril and allowed him to return to his diocese. On the way, a young man, Berke’s nephew, caught up with the bishop and begged to be taken to Rostov. In Rostov, he was baptized with the name Peter and married. Saint Peter was known for his love of silence, contemplation, and prayer. After a miraculous appearance of the apostles Peter and Paul, he built a monastery near Lake Nero in their honor. Before his death, he also took monastic vows in his founded monastery. Reverend Peter died in old age in 1290. The veneration of the venerable prince Peter began in the 14th century. The widespread celebration was established at the Council of 1547, during the episcopacy of all-Russian Metropolitan Macarius, and is observed on May 23 and June 30.

      Troparion, tone 8:

      Father, blessed Peter, you departed to the Lord, hating the godless faith, which the darkness of paganism had embraced; you came into the light and dwelled in the glorious and numerous city of Rostov, where you lived an honest life. You built a church in the name of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul by Christ’s blessing, and adorned it with wondrous icons as bride and bridegroom, astonishing the clergy, the prince, and all people with your life. As you rest in the Lord, may Christ’s gift of wonders richly bless you.

      Remember us who honor your bright memory, venerable Father Peter, and pray to Christ God to save our souls.

      Kontakion, tone 4:

      Greatness appeared in the sun of Christ’s Church, enlightening the teachings with radiance, ever-blessed, as a wellspring of gold, you endured wondrously, unfathomable treasure, from the inexhaustible source. In memory of you, ever-blessed Peter, we come, and you now give to all the forgiveness of sins and glory, the venerable.

      Prayer:

      O venerable Peter, Prince of Rostov, you stand before the Throne of God in Heaven and enjoy the glory of the Trinity, and rest in the divine temple on earth, pouring out abundant miracles by Your grace. Be gracious to us sinners, look with compassion on those before Your honorable face, and in humility and devotion help us. We, overwhelmed with grievous sins, have incurred God's just wrath and are unworthy of Your mercy; therefore, we dare not lift our eyes to Heaven but humbly, with contrite hearts, call on the Lord—asking for the prosperity of the Church, the blessing of the atmosphere, and the fruitfulness of the land; deliver all who trust with unwavering faith in God and resort to Your grace from all spiritual and physical troubles. Be an comforting patient, a doctor to the sick, a helper to the helpless, a defender of widows, a protector of the vulnerable, a nourisher of youths, a guide for travelers, a fortress for the old, and a helmsman for sailors. Intercede for all, through Your help, that we may with Your prayers complete the brief life here without shame, attain eternal peace in Heaven, and glorify the Giver of all good—Trinity's glorious God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

      (Orthodox Internet edition "Alphabet of Faith").

      July 13 – Day of remembrance of the saints Venerable Tikhon, Basil, and Nikon Sokolovskys (16th century) (moved celebration to the first Sunday after July 12).

      The holy brothers Tikhon, Basil, and Nikon, from the same family, labored in the 16th century. They chose the monastic life, dedicating themselves to serving God. According to tradition, the brothers led a strict ascetic life and attained a special grace that made them venerated among the people. An ancient icon from the church in the village of Sokolovo (formerly Moscow Province, Zvenigorod Uyezd) depicts them in monastic attire, indicating their high spiritual feat. Their sacred relics were buried in the Sokolova Grove, which became a pilgrimage site. Historical data show that Sokolovo was known for its spiritual life and monastic traditions. The church that housed their icon became a center of pilgrimage. The brothers left a profound mark on the spiritual culture of their time, and their memory is still honored today. Some sources mention miracles of healing attributed to prayers to these saints. (Based on materials from the website “Candle of Jerusalem”).

      July 13 – Day of remembrance of the Venerable Martyrs Neophit, Iona, Neophit, Ico, and Parthenios of Lipsia (moved celebration to the first Sunday after July 10).

      On the Greek island of Lipsia, five venerable martyrs suffered martyrdom at different times, confessing their faith and resisting persecution. Their deeds left a deep imprint on the history of Christianity. The first was Neophit, a monk from Amorgos, who was killed by Turks on April 6, 1558. His steadfastness and faith made him an example for future generations. The next was Iona from Leros, who also suffered persecution and was martyred on February 28, 1561; his deed strengthened the faith of believers in the region. Iona Garbis from Nisyros was the third martyr, dying in April 1635 at the hands of Turkish persecutors. His life and death testify to the resilience of Christians in difficult times. Parthenios from Philippopolis (modern Plovdiv, Bulgaria) was martyred in 1696; his suffering became a symbol of steadfastness of the Christian faith on the Balkans. A special place is held by monk Neophit, who was killed by pirates on December 8, 1609. His tragic fate underscores the dangers faced by monks living on the Aegean islands at that time. These five saints serve as examples of courage and self-sacrifice, inspiring believers worldwide. Their memory is honored in the Orthodox tradition, and the island of Lipsia has become a pilgrimage site where everyone can honor their deeds. (Materials from the website “Candle of Jerusalem”).