Saint Apostle Akila’s Feast Day Observed in Macedonia

On 14 July (old style), Macedonia celebrates the feast day of Saint Apostle Akila, one of the Seventy Apostles mentioned in early Christian tradition. Akila, a Jewish native who lived in Italy with his wife Priscilla, was expelled from Rome and Italy by Emperor Claudius and settled in Corinth, where he first met the Apostle Paul. Paul stayed in Akila’s home for about a year and a half, baptising both Akila and Priscilla. The couple then accompanied Paul to Ephesus, assisting his ministry and being greeted in Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians and his Letter to the Romans.

Later, Paul writes to Timothy in Ephesus, urging him to “greet Akila and Priscilla.” According to tradition, Akila became a bishop, baptized many, built churches, and was eventually martyred for his faith. The holiday honors his contributions to the early Christian mission.