Saint Matthias feast day observed by Serbian Orthodox Church

The Serbian Orthodox Church commemorates the feast day of Saint Apostle Matthias on August 22. Matthias is recognized as the apostle chosen to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot among the Twelve Apostles.

According to religious tradition, Matthias was selected through prayer and the casting of lots after the Ascension of Christ. He was known for spreading the Gospel in Judea, Ethiopia, and Macedonia, despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and eventual martyrdom by stoning and decapitation.

The feast day coincides with the Dormition Fast, a strict period of fasting observed by believers. Local traditions also associate this specific date with folk beliefs regarding the settlement of debts and financial obligations.