St. Matthias, Apostle

Today we commemorate the holy Apostle, Matthias. Though little is said of him in the Sacred Scriptures beyond his election by the apostles to fill up the number of the 12 left by Judas' death, the tradition of the Church teaches us that he labored as a missionary in Ethiopia, and also laid down his life in witness to Christ's victory over death.

His day is observed on August 9th by the Eastern Rite, on May 14 in recent times by Rome, and on this day by the Lutherans, Episcopalians and Western Rite Orthodox - the traditional date of his commemoration in the Western Church.

For one in place of Judas,
Th' apostles sought God's choice;
This lot fell to Matthias
Form whom we now rejoice.
May we like true apostles
Your holy Church defend,
And not betray our calling
But serve You to the end. (LSB 517, stanza 13)

"I will speak of your testimonies before kings, O Lord, and shall not be put to shame. I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth will I make known your faithfulness to all generations." (from the Introit for his day)