July 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

In the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar, July 12 (or June 29 on the Julian Calendar, when used by some Orthodox Churches) is a day with a complex set of commemorations, including significant feasts and notable saints. It is principally the feast of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul.

The day is dedicated to the memory of Saints Peter and Paul, the "chief" apostles of the original twelve. Peter, originally Simon, known for his impetuous nature and for denying Christ three times before the crucifixion, later became a pillar of the early Church and is traditionally considered the first Bishop of Rome (though the Orthodox Church does not acknowledge papal supremacy as understood in the Roman Catholic Church). Paul, formerly Saul, a persecutor of Christians, was dramatically converted on the road to Damascus and became the Apostle to the Gentiles, spreading the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire through his missionary journeys and epistles.

The feast celebrates their martyrdom in Rome (traditionally dated to the reign of Nero), their apostolic ministry, and their pivotal role in establishing and spreading the Christian faith. The Orthodox Church venerates them as equals, emphasizing their complementary roles in the development of Christian theology and practice.

Liturgically, the day is celebrated with special hymns, readings, and prayers dedicated to the apostles. The icon of Saints Peter and Paul often depicts them together, representing their unity in faith and mission. The services highlight their example of repentance, faith, and zealous preaching.

In addition to the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, on July 12 (Julian Calendar June 29) other saints may also be commemorated, depending on the local synaxarion (a book containing short biographies of the saints for each day of the year). These commemorations are secondary to the main feast of the Apostles.