Saint Philip the Deacon commemorated on October 11

October 11 marks the religious feast day of Saint Philip the Deacon in the Orthodox and Greek Catholic calendars. Philip, originally from Caesarea in Palestine, was one of the seven deacons chosen by the early Apostles to assist with the distribution of aid and community needs in Jerusalem.

Historical accounts detail his missionary work in Samaria, where he performed miracles and baptized followers such as Simon Magus. He is also noted for baptizing an Ethiopian official traveling to Jerusalem. Philip eventually served as a bishop in Tralles, in what is now modern-day Aydın, Turkey.

In many Bulgarian and Romanian traditions, this day is also celebrated as a name day for individuals named Philip, Filip, Filimon, and related names. The religious calendar for this date also commemorates Saint Theophan the Confessor.