What do Paul and Silas have to do with the Apostles' Fast?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10
In the Coptic Orthodox Church, St. Paul and St. Silas are connected to the Apostles' Fast primarily through the liturgical readings and the celebration of their missionary labors and martyrdom.
While the fast begins the day after Pentecost to commemorate the apostles' fasting before they began their service, it culminates in the Feast of the Martyrdom of St. Peter and St. Paul on the 5th of Abib (July 12).
1. St. Paul and the End of the Fast
The entire period of the Apostles' Fast is a preparation for the feast of the "Heads of the Apostles," St. Peter and St. Paul. Since St. Paul was the "Apostle to the Gentiles," the Church honors his immense labor in spreading the faith. Even though he was not one of the original twelve at Pentecost, he is considered a "chosen vessel" who fasted and labored more than them all. We celebrate his martyrdom alongside St. Peter at the conclusion of the fast.
2. St. Silas and the Apostolic Mission
St. Silas's connection is tied to the Acts of the Apostles, which is the primary focus of the liturgical readings during this fast.
- Missionary Labor: During this season, the Church reads throughout the Liturgies from the Book of Acts, which details the journeys of Paul and Silas. Silas was an "apostolic man" and a companion of St. Paul.
- The Example of Service: Silas is remembered as one of the "seventy disciples" in many traditions, and specifically as a leader among the brethren who helped carry the decrees of the Council of Jerusalem.
3. The Liturgical Synergy
During the Apostles' Fast, we chant the Doxology of the Apostles, which mentions:
- "Paul the tongue of perfume... the teacher of the Gentiles."
- The general group of the disciples and apostles, which includes Silas as one of the prominent companions mentioned in the Praxis (Acts) readings that characterize the season.
While the fast starts because of the Twelve who were at Pentecost, it effectively becomes a period where we honor the entire "Apostolic age," with St. Paul being the primary focus of the concluding feast, and St. Silas being honored as his faithful co-worker in the Spirit whose deeds we read about in the Liturgy during these weeks.