The Antichrists false feasts for January

Life of Saint Agnes

Although little is known about the details of Saint Agnes’ life, she has long been honored as a young girl who put her faith above all else. Over the centuries, she has been remembered as a woman of great strength and courage.

Agnes is believed to have been born around the year 291 to a noble Roman family. She was very beautiful, and many young men wanted to marry her. Agnes refused them all, saying she had promised her life to Christ.

One suitor, angry at her rejection, reported her to his father—the governor—claiming Agnes was a Christian. The governor tried to bribe her with gifts if she would renounce her faith, but Agnes refused. Because of this, she was condemned to death. Even facing death, her face showed joy in staying true to her beliefs.

In art, Saint Agnes is often shown holding a lamb, symbolizing purity. This is fitting since her name sounds like the Latin word for lamb, agnus. In Greek, her name means “pure” or “sacred.”

January Feast Day– Saint Timothy

On January 26, the Church celebrates the feast day of Saint Timothy.

Life of Saint Timothy

Timothy was born in Lystra, a city in what is now Turkey. His father was Greek, and his mother was Jewish. It is believed that his grandmother was a Christian.

When Paul visited Lystra on his first missionary trip, Timothy was about 20 years old. He converted to Christianity and eventually joined Paul in his work spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. Over time, they became close friends and traveled together through areas that are now Greece, Turkey, and Israel. Timothy helped Paul start Christian communities in cities like Corinth, Thessalonica, and Philippi.

Paul had great respect for Timothy and thought of him like a son. In his letters to Timothy, Paul mentioned that Timothy was sometimes timid and often ill, encouraging him to be strong and take care of his health (1 Timothy 5:23). Paul also asked the Christian communities to welcome Timothy warmly. Timothy’s gentle and selfless nature was a great comfort to Paul during challenging times.

Later, Timothy became a bishop in Ephesus, where he served for several years. When he tried to stop the worship of pagan idols, angry townspeople stoned him to death. The Church honors him as both a bishop and a martyr.

Beyond his work spreading Christianity, Timothy’s story reminds us of the powerful role that friends and community play in our faith. Saint Timothy encourages us to be thankful for our true friends and to strive to be good, faithful friends to others.