The Holy Disciple Timothy was born sometime in the first half of the first century and received baptism from the Holy Apostle Paul. Since then, he has accompanied Paul in his ministry among the Jews in Asia Minor and Greece. Apostle Paul valued his companionship greatly. He called him his beloved son and praised him for his devotion and fidelity. Waiting to be martyred, Saint Paul asked him to come to bid him farewell.
Like most apostles, he died a martyr's death in the year 93 as the bishop of Ephesus fifteen years of service. He was trying to stop a public celebration of the Pagan gods accompanied by blasphemous songs. His opposition was non-violent – he reasoned with the people and preached Christian faith to them. Many took heed, but a wrathful mob dragged him along the ground and stoned him.
In Russian worship practice, the crosses used by priests have inscribed on them the words of Saint Paul addressed to Apostle Timothy: Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12).
