Saint Tabitha, Raised by Peter, Model of Quiet Charity

The post commemorates Saint Tabitha, also called Dorcas, on October 25. She lived in Joppa and is mentioned in Acts 9:36-42. Luke calls her a disciple, a title rarely given to women in the New Testament. Her Aramaic and Greek names both mean gazelle. She served the early Church through practical charity: as a skilled seamstress she made tunics and coats for widows and orphans in her community.

When she fell ill and died, the believers sent for Peter, who was preaching in nearby Lydda. Widows met him weeping and showed him the garments Tabitha had sewn. Peter knelt, prayed, and said, "Tabitha, arise." She opened her eyes, sat up, and was restored to life.

The miracle spread through Palestine, leading many Jews and pagans to believe in Christ. Tabitha continued her charitable work for many more years and reposed at a very old age. The accompanying images include an icon of the raising and a Greek inscription praising almsgiving: "The merciful saint, brothers: he who loves and shows mercy to the poor shall receive mercy from God unto the light."