Saint Silas

 Saint Silas - commemorated July 30th

 St. Silas, whose close companionship with the mighty St. Paul was enough to place him among the saints and who, as one of the Seventy devoted apostles of the Messiah, contributed mightily to the cause of Christianity, the more so because he managed to elude the executioner and to live a full life, each day of which was pledged to the missionary work of the Saviour. St. Luke, the Glorious Physician and author of the Book of Acts of the New Testament speaks in chapter fifteen of 'Judas and Silas being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed.'

Serving in Antioch with Barnabas and Paul, Silas was chosen by the latter to project their mission into Syria and Cicilia, as recorded in Acts 15.40 wherein it says 'And Paul chose Silas and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the Grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cicilia confirming the churches.' These regions were hostile to the New Faith of Jesus Christ but in spite of the abuse and indignities heaped upon the apostles, the salvation of mankind was brought to crowds who could see the light of Christianity through the miasma of their irreligious way of life. Before he departed for Rome, Paul installed Silas as bishop of Corinth where he served honourably every day of his long life.

from Orthodox Saints, v. 3
by Fr George Poulos, Holy Cross Orthodox Press