(Celebrated annually on June 29)
The Feast of the Holy Glorious and All-Praiseworthy Apostles Peter and Paul, celebrated on June 29, is one of the most important feasts in the liturgical calendar of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC). It honors Saint Peterand Saint Paul, the two great pillars of the early Church, who gave their lives in martyrdom for Christ in the city of Rome.
Saints Peter and Paul were chosen by God to lead the Church in its earliest days and to bring the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
Saint Peter, a fisherman, was one of the original twelve Apostles and is recognized as the chief of the Apostles. Jesus called him the “rock” upon which He would build His Church (Matthew 16:18). Peter became the first bishop of Rome and was crucified upside down under Emperor Nero.
Saint Paul, formerly known as Saul, was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians before encountering the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He became the Church’s greatest missionary, writing many of the Epistles in the New Testament and preaching to the Gentiles across the Roman Empire. He was eventually beheaded in Rome, also during Nero’s persecution.
Their joint feast on June 29 dates back to the early centuries of the Church and commemorates the day of their martyrdom, believed to have occurred around the year 67 A.D.
The Church celebrates this feast to:
Honor the faith, leadership, and sacrifice of the two greatest Apostles;
Recognize the foundations of the Church laid by their preaching and martyrdom;
Emphasize the unity of the Church, as represented by Peter (Jewish mission) and Paul (Gentile mission);
Inspire the faithful to live boldly and faithfully in their witness to Christ, as Peter and Paul did.
This feast is considered a major holy day in the Eastern Christian tradition because it highlights the apostolic roots of the Church and the price paid for the faith to be handed down to us. It also:
Concludes the Saints Peter and Paul Fast, a time of spiritual preparation;
Reflects the early Church’s universal mission to bring the Gospel to all people;
Encourages unity among Christians, reminding us of the complementary vocations of Peter and Paul.
In the UGCC, this day is typically celebrated with the Divine Liturgy, festive hymns, and prayers honoring both Apostles. In parishes named after Saints Peter and Paul, it is celebrated as a patronal feast.
Explore the Sacred Sites of Rome – Where Faith Meets History
Have you ever asked yourself, “Where did Saints Peter and Paul actually die?” These two great Apostles—giants of our faith—gave their lives for Christ in the heart of Rome. Today, their stories live on in some of the city’s most amazing and powerful places. Here’s your guide to three unforgettable sites that young pilgrims and curious hearts will love exploring!
How he died: Saint Peter was crucified upside down around 64 AD, not feeling worthy to die the same way as Jesus.
Where to go:
🏛 St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City) – Built over his tomb.
📍 Coordinates: 41.90222°N, 12.45333°E
Don’t miss: The Confessio, directly beneath the high altar, where you can see the believed burial site of Saint Peter.
This small church on Janiculum Hill is the traditional site of Saint Peter’s crucifixion.
What’s there:
A peaceful courtyard.
The Tempietto, a tiny Renaissance masterpiece built on the exact spot of the cross.
Why visit: It’s quieter than St. Peter’s Basilica—and offers one of the best views of Rome!
📍 Coordinates: 41.8903°N, 12.4663°E
How he died: As a Roman citizen, Paul was beheaded by sword, around 67 AD.
Why it matters: His fearless preaching of the Gospel across the world led to his martyrdom in Rome.
What it is: Paul’s burial place, marked by a grand basilica.
Why visit: You can pray at his tomb, walk the peaceful cloisters, and explore mosaics of all the Popes!
📍 Coordinates: 41.85861°N, 12.47722°E
What happened here: This is the actual site of Paul’s execution.
Tradition says that when his head hit the ground, it bounced three times—causing three springs to miraculously appear.
What’s there now:
Abbey of Tre Fontane, a quiet, monastic complex.
Church of San Paolo alle Tre Fontane built over the springs.
📍 Coordinates: 41.8408°N, 12.4766°E
These sites are more than just history—they are sacred spaces where the early Church took its boldest steps. Saints Peter and Paul didn’t just talk about Jesus—they died for Him. When you walk where they walked, you’re reminded that our faith was built on courage, love, and truth.
💬 So ask yourself: What am I willing to stand for?
🌍 And when in Rome—be sure to go exploring!
