August 25: Saint Titus, Apostle of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete

On this day, the Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of Saint Titus, Apostle of the Seventy, beloved disciple of the Apostle Paul and the first Bishop of Crete. His life bears witness to the universality of the Gospel, the power of true discipleship, and the quiet strength of pastoral love.

From Idol-Worshipper to Disciple of Christ
Saint Titus was born a Greek, raised in the culture of pagan philosophy and idol worship. But the Lord who “desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4) led him to encounter the preaching of Saint Paul the Apostle. This encounter changed everything: Titus became a disciple of the true God, leaving behind the shadows of idolatry for the radiant light of Christ.

Saint Paul’s refusal to circumcise him, despite pressure from the Judaizers in Jerusalem (Gal. 2:3), made him a living sign of the newness of the Gospel. Saint John Chrysostom comments on this decision, saying:

“Paul circumcised Timothy, that he might conciliate the Jews, but he would not circumcise Titus, that he might not yield to those who wished to impose circumcision as a necessary law.”
(Homilies on Galatians, 2.3)

In Titus, we see the Church’s teaching that salvation is not through the Law of Moses, nor through race or lineage, but through Christ alone.

A Co-Laborer and Consolation to Saint Paul
The New Testament reveals Titus as a man of courage, gentleness, and loyalty. When the Corinthian church was torn apart by factions, Paul entrusted him with the delicate mission of reconciliation. The Apostle testifies:

“But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you” (2 Cor. 7:6–7).

Here we see that Titus not only carried Paul’s words but embodied Paul’s very spirit, he was both messenger and consolation. Saint Chrysostom again observes that Titus’ presence was a balm to Paul:

“See how he extols this disciple, both in the affection of the Corinthians towards him, and in his own joy at his return. For he was a sharer in the trials of Paul and in his consolations.”
(Homily on 2 Corinthians 7:6–7)

Titus also organized the collection for the poor in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:6), demonstrating his trustworthiness in both spiritual and practical matters. Paul’s tender words to him in his epistle “To Titus, my true son in our common faith” (Tit. 1:4)—reveal the deep bond of spiritual fatherhood between them.

Bishop of Crete and Guardian of the Flock
Ordained by Paul as the first Bishop of Crete, Saint Titus became the apostolic foundation of the Church there. The Epistle to Titus contains some of the most profound pastoral guidance in the New Testament. Paul exhorts him:

“This is why I left you in Crete, that you might set right what was lacking, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you” (Tit. 1:5).

Saint Chrysostom, commenting on this passage, explains that Paul gives Titus the authority to appoint clergy because the health of the Church depends on faithful pastors:

“The safety of the flock depends upon the shepherd, and the shepherd’s integrity depends upon sound doctrine and blameless life.”
(Homilies on Titus, 1.5)

For this reason, the Epistle to Titus is still a cornerstone of Orthodox pastoral theology, reminding us that the Church flourishes when its bishops and priests preserve purity of doctrine and holiness of life.

Wonderworker and Destroyer of Idols
The Lord confirmed the apostolic ministry of Saint Titus with miracles. At his prayer, the idol of Diana crumbled to pieces before a gathering of pagan worshippers. Another time, when a temple to Zeus was being built, Titus prayed, and the structure collapsed before it was finished. These wonders were not mere spectacles, but divine signs that “the gods of the nations are demons” (Ps. 95:5 LXX), and that Christ is the only true God.

But Titus did not rejoice in the miracles themselves, rather, in the conversion of souls. Like his teacher Paul, he sought not glory for himself but for Christ alone. His miracles were extensions of his preaching, tools by which hardened hearts were opened to the Gospel.

His Peaceful Repose and Radiant Departure
Unlike his spiritual father Paul, who was crowned with martyrdom in Rome, Saint Titus reposed in peace at the age of 97 years old, having guided his flock faithfully to the end. Tradition tells us that at the moment of his departure, his face shone like the sun, an outward sign of the uncreated light that had filled him throughout his earthly life. His passing reminds us of Christ’s promise: “The righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father” (Matt. 13:43).

His Holy Relics and Continuing Presence
The faithful treasured his relics, portions of which are still preserved on the Holy Mountain of Athos in the monasteries of Great Lavra, Pantokrator, and Panteleimon. His sacred head, taken to Venice during the Crusader era, was finally returned to Crete in 1966, where it rests in the Church of Saint Titus in Herakleion. Pilgrims continue to venerate him as their apostolic protector and intercessor.

Spiritual Lessons for Today
Saint Titus speaks powerfully to our age:

• The Gospel is universal. In him, we see that salvation is for all peoples, breaking down every wall of race, law, and culture.
• Pastoral integrity matters. Titus embodies the Orthodox vision of a bishop, not as a worldly administrator, but as a spiritual father, teacher, and shepherd of souls.
• False gods still exist. Today they may not be statues of Diana or Zeus, but idols of money, power, nationalism, and self-worship. Like Titus, we must expose their emptiness by living as witnesses to Christ.
• Holiness transforms. The light shining from Titus’ face at his repose reveals what is promised to all who live in communion with God. His life is a call to each of us to seek that same transformation by grace.

Hymns of the Feast

Apolytikion (Plagal of the First Tone):
With a heavenly calling towards divinely inspired knowledge, of the flesh of the Master who resided on earth, you saw with your eyes all things illumined. Wherefore, as a companion of Paul, you became one who discourses of God, kindling throughout Crete the words of piety, blessed Apostle Titus.

​Kontakion (Second Tone):
Titus, worthy of all praise and preacher of Christ’s mysteries, you were Paul’s companion, and with him taught us the doctrine of God. Therefore we cry out to you: Never cease to intercede for the sake of us all.

✠ May Saint Titus, faithful disciple of Paul, shepherd of Crete, and wonderworking destroyer of idols, pray for us and guide us into the same apostolic faith he preserved and handed down to the Church.
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