Righteous Tabitha (I)

The righteous Tabitha, as the Acts of the Apostles tells, lived in Lydda and “was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did”. Suddenly the blessed one fell gravely ill and died. At that time the Apostle Peter was preaching in Lydda. The faithful sent men to Saint Peter and humbly begged him “that he would not delay to come to them”. When Peter came, the widows, weeping, were “shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them”. Then the chief of the apostles told everyone to go out, knelt by the body and prayed fervently, and then turned to the body and said: “Tabitha, arise!” The dead woman opened her eyes and, seeing Peter, sat up. The holy apostle called the Christians who had gathered and “presented her alive”. This miracle became known throughout the city, and many believed in the incarnate Saviour (Acts 9:36–42).