Apostle & Bishop of Crete

Apostle Titus of the Seventy

Disciple of Saint Paul, Apostle of the Seventy and first bishop of Crete.

Life and Witness

Saint Titus, Apostle of the Seventy, was born on the island of Crete. According to the ecclesiastical account preserved by the Orthodox Church, he was raised in a distinguished pagan family, pursued learning and lived virtuously even before receiving the Gospel.

After hearing of Christ’s preaching and miracles, Titus travelled to Jerusalem. He believed in the Lord, witnessed His saving Passion, Resurrection and Ascension, and heard the Apostles proclaim the Gospel at Pentecost. He later received Holy Baptism from the Apostle Paul and became his close disciple and fellow laborer.

Saint Paul appointed Titus Bishop of Crete and addressed to him the pastoral Epistle that bears his name. Titus guided the Church, preached Christ and, by prayer, exposed the powerlessness of pagan idols. He reposed peacefully at an advanced age after an apostolic ministry among the people of Crete.

Feast Day

August 25 — Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete.