On 21st September, Anglicans worldwide will celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist, honoring the former tax collector whom Christ called to discipleship and who later proclaimed the Gospel.
St. Matthew’s story is one of conversion and mission. Once a publican, despised for serving the Roman system of taxation, he became a witness to Christ’s mercy and the writer of the Gospel that highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. His life testifies that no one is beyond the reach of God’s call.
Liturgy
Liturgical Color:Red – signifying the blood of martyrs and the apostolic witness.
Collect: O Almighty God, whose blessed Son called Matthew the tax collector to be an apostle and evangelist: give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit of gain and the possessive love of riches that we may follow in the way of your Son Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Preface (Apostles and Evangelists):
Scripture Readings
Old Testament: Proverbs 3:1–6
Psalm: Psalm 119:33–40
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:1–6
Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13 (the call of Matthew)
Reflection
The feast is not only about remembering the apostle but also a reminder that God’s call transforms ordinary and even flawed lives into instruments of grace. As Jesus said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Across parishes, the day will be marked with Eucharistic celebrations, red vestments, and prayers for renewal in mission—especially for those who, like Matthew, are called to witness in unexpected places.
Special Prayers
On this day, Anglicans will also remember and pray for all churches dedicated to Saint Matthew, giving thanks for their ministry and witness. Special mention will be made of the Cathedral of Tema, SS. Alban and Matthew, asking God’s blessing upon their clergy, deanry, and ongoing mission
Church Marks Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, on September 21
On 21st September, Anglicans worldwide will celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist, honoring the former tax collector whom Christ called to discipleship and who later proclaimed the Gospel.
St. Matthew’s story is one of conversion and mission. Once a publican, despised for serving the Roman system of taxation, he became a witness to Christ’s mercy and the writer of the Gospel that highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. His life testifies that no one is beyond the reach of God’s call.
Liturgy
O Almighty God, whose blessed Son called Matthew the tax collector to be an apostle and evangelist: give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit of gain and the possessive love of riches that we may follow in the way of your Son Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Reflection
The feast is not only about remembering the apostle but also a reminder that God’s call transforms ordinary and even flawed lives into instruments of grace. As Jesus said, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Across parishes, the day will be marked with Eucharistic celebrations, red vestments, and prayers for renewal in mission—especially for those who, like Matthew, are called to witness in unexpected places.
Special Prayers
On this day, Anglicans will also remember and pray for all churches dedicated to Saint Matthew, giving thanks for their ministry and witness. Special mention will be made of the Cathedral of Tema, SS. Alban and Matthew, asking God’s blessing upon their clergy, deanry, and ongoing mission
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