Life and Ministry
Tabitha lived in Joppa, a port city on the Mediterranean coast, during the time of the apostles. She worked as a weaver and craftsperson, producing tunics and garments. Rather than keep the proceeds of her trade, she devoted her work to charity, clothing and supporting the poor, widows, and orphans of her community.
The Book of Acts characterizes her by her consistent good works and almsgiving, naming her a disciple of Jesus. Her example is presented in the tradition as a model of genuine charity—almsgiving performed with honest intention and spiritual love that benefits both its recipients and the giver.
The Raising at Joppa
According to Acts 9:36–43, Tabitha fell suddenly ill and died. The believers of Joppa washed her body and laid it in an upper room, then sent two messengers to summon the Apostle Peter, who was visiting nearby Lydda.
When Peter arrived, the grieving widows showed him the tunics and garments that Tabitha had made for them while she was alive. Peter sent everyone out of the room, knelt and prayed, and then said, 'Tabitha, arise.' She opened her eyes, sat up, and was presented alive to the assembled saints and widows. The miracle became known throughout Joppa and resulted in many conversions to Christ. Peter afterward remained in the city, staying with Simon, a tanner.
By tradition, after her resurrection Tabitha continued her charitable activity for many years and reposed in peace in old age.
Relics & Shrines
In 1868 the site identified as the tomb of Saint Tabitha, together with a large area of land in Jaffa, was acquired by Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin), head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem. This was part of his broader effort to establish Russian Orthodox churches, hostels, and sacred sites throughout the Holy Land.
On the acquired land the Church of Saint Peter was built in 1894.
Legacy
Tabitha is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church (feast day October 25), the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and some Protestant denominations.
Her memory endures in the charitable 'Dorcas societies'—philanthropic organizations that provide clothing to the poor—named after her Greek name.
