St Tabitha: Patron of Those Who Sew Good Works

“At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.”
- Acts 9 : 36

In the quiet port city of Joppa, long ago, lived a woman whose hands brought comfort, warmth, and beauty to those around her. Her name was Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek) and Scripture tells us she was a disciple, full of compassion and good works. Among the early followers of Christ, she was known especially for sewing garments for widows and the poor. Her needle and thread became instruments of mercy to those around her who were in need.

 

When Tabitha fell ill and died, her community mourned deeply. In their grief, they sent for the Apostle Peter, who came to her house and was led to the upper room where she lay. Surrounded by the widows she had clothed, Peter prayed, and by the power of Christ, Tabitha was restored to life (Acts 9 : 36–41). News of this miracle spread throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

The Patron Saint of Seamstresses and Charitable Workers

In the Orthodox Church, St Tabitha of Joppa is honoured as the patron of seamstresses, tailors, needleworkers, and all who serve others through acts of love. Her story beautifully reflects the union of prayer and labour - how even the simplest work, done with love for God and neighbour, becomes holy.

Every stitch she made was a quiet act of service. Every garment, a gift of compassion. Through her hands, the thread of faith was woven into daily life - a true example for all who seek to glorify God through creative work.

Stitching Faith into Everyday Life

For those of us who find peace and prayer in the rhythm of the needle, St Tabitha stands as a heavenly friend and intercessor. Whether embroidering for our icon corners, sewing for our families, or crafting gifts for others, we too can echo her spirit of generosity. Each handmade work can become an offering of love - a little “stitch of faith” added to the fabric of the Church.

Let us remember St Tabitha whenever we pick up our threads, asking her prayers that our own work may be filled with grace, beauty, and kindness.

Troparion - Tone 1

With the flow of the many-streamed river of almsgiving / you watered the dry earth of the needy. / Showering alms on the widows and the poor, / you shone with the light of your works / and were radiant with grace, O Tabitha. / Glory to Christ who loves you! / Glory to Christ who has blessed you! / Glory to Christ whom you followed as a true disciple and a spotless lamb!

Kontakion - Tone 2

You served the Saviour in holiness / by your God-fearing deeds, / and were a model of love as his disciple. / O Tabitha, we praise your memory!

 

Here at Sew Orthodox, St Tabitha feels especially close to our mission - to stitch faith into the everyday life of the domestic church. May her example remind us that the beauty we create with our hands can be a living prayer, a quiet ministry of love.

So next time you sit down to embroider, whisper a prayer to St Tabitha - that, like her, your stitches may become good works, clothed in grace.

Stitching with love,

Fanouria

PS - This is my favourite icon of St Tabitha so far! It's available from Uncut Mountain Supply and I'm saving up for it to place in my studio - which actually means I'm saving up for the international postage required to ship it to Australia! So many wonderful icons available overseas!😭

PPS - The icon featured in the header is also from Uncut Mountain Supply and shows her being raised from the dead