27 July 2024 (MIA)

Macedonian Orthodox Church Calendar

Holy Apostle Aquila of the Seventy

Saint Aquila, who was from Pontus of Asia Minor, was a Jew by race and a tent-maker by trade. In the year 52 he and his wife Priscilla were in Corinth when Saint Paul first came there. They gave him hospitality, and the Apostle remained with them for many days, himself working at the same trade as they (Acts 18:2-3). And having believed in Christ through Paul, they followed him from that time on, working together with him and suffering perils with him for the sake of the preaching of the Gospel, as he himself testifies concerning them in his Epistle to the Romans, saying: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the nations” (Rom. 16:3-4). When and where they reposed is unknown.

Catholic Calendar

St. Aurelius

Wealthy Moorish father, Spanish mother, and orphaned as a child. Raised as a secret Christian by his aunt during the Moorish occupation of Spain and persecution of Christians. Married a half-Moorish woman who was born as Sabigotho, changed her name to Natalia when she converted to Christianity, and is a saint as well. Two children. Publicly proclaimed his faith after seeing a local merchant named John scourged to death for his Christianity. Both he and Natalie were martyred for openly practising their faith. He was beheaded on July 27, 852.