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Greek Name Days

1st century

Saint Timothy the Apostle

Disciple and companion of the Apostle Paul, bishop of Ephesus.

22 January

Biography

Timothy was born in Lystra in Lycaonia, the son of a Greek father and the Jewish Eunice; he lost his father early and was raised by his grandmother Lois. When the Apostle Paul met him, he recognised his gifts and took him on as a companion on his second missionary journey.

Timothy accompanied Paul through many of his travels in spreading the Gospel, and after Paul's martyrdom he returned to Ephesus, where he became its first bishop and continued his missionary work.

During a pagan festival honouring Artemis of Ephesus, he was beaten to death by an enraged crowd for condemning their revelry. In 356 his remains were transferred to Constantinople, to the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Sources and further reading