Saint Titus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Titus
Bishop and Companion of Paul
Born	1st century AD
Died	96 or 107 AD Gortyn, Crete
Venerated in	Eastern Orthodox Church Oriental Orthodox churches Roman Catholic Church Lutheranism Anglican Communion
Canonized	Pre-Congregation
Major shrine	Heraklion, Crete
Feast	August 25 (Orthodoxy) January 26 (Catholicism) Thursday after fifth Sunday after feast of the Holy Cross (Armenian Apostolic Church)
Patronage	Crete

Titus was an important early Christian leader. He was a close friend and helper of Paul the Apostle, a key figure in spreading Christianity. Titus is mentioned in several of Paul's letters, including a whole book of the Bible called the Epistle to Titus.

People believe Titus was not born Jewish, but he became a Christian thanks to Paul. Tradition says he became the first bishop (a high-ranking church leader) on the island of Crete.

Titus helped Paul with many important tasks. He carried a letter from Paul to the city of Corinth. This letter was about collecting money for poor Christians in Jerusalem. Some historians, like Jerome, think Titus even wrote down Paul's words for this letter. Later, on Crete, Titus helped set up churches. He chose elders (leaders) in every city. He stayed on Crete until he was old, passing away in Gortyna, near the city of Heraklion.

The Life and Journeys of Titus

Titus was a Greek man, likely from the island of Crete. In his younger years, he studied Greek philosophy and poetry. He became a Christian after meeting Paul. After his conversion, Titus worked as Paul's secretary and helped him understand different languages.

Titus at the Jerusalem Council

In the year 49 AD, Titus went with Paul to an important meeting in Jerusalem. This meeting was called the Jerusalem Council. They discussed whether new Christians needed to follow old Jewish laws.

Titus's Mission to Corinth

Around 56 AD, Paul sent Titus from Ephesus to Corinth. Paul had visited Corinth before, and things had become difficult. There was a problem with someone challenging Paul's authority. Titus's job was to fix these issues.

Titus carried a strong letter from Paul to the Corinthians. This letter is sometimes called the "Severe Letter." It is not in the Bible today, but it helped solve the problems in Corinth.

Meeting Paul in Macedonia

After his successful mission in Corinth, Titus traveled north. He met Paul in Macedonia. Paul was very happy to hear about Titus's success. Because of this good news, Paul wrote his second letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians).

Titus then went back to Corinth, taking the letter with him. Later, Paul joined Titus in Corinth. From there, Paul sent Titus again to organize collections. These collections were money gathered for Christians in Jerusalem who were in need. Titus was truly a problem-solver, a peacemaker, and a great helper for Paul.

Titus as Bishop of Crete

Church history tells us that Paul visited Crete after being released from prison in Rome. He preached there and started churches. Because Paul needed to go to other places, he made Titus the bishop of Crete. He left Titus to continue the work he had begun. This shows how much Paul trusted and respected Titus.

Paul later asked Titus to join him in Nicopolis. After that, Titus traveled to Dalmatia. The Bible does not say when or how Titus died.

Honoring Saint Titus

People have honored Saint Titus for a very long time. His special day, or feast day, has changed over the years.

Feast Days of Titus

• The Catholic Church celebrates Saint Titus on January 26. On this day, they also honor Timothy, another of Paul's disciples.
• The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers Titus on August 25 and January 4.
• Other Christian groups, like the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Church of England, also honor Titus on January 26.

Relics and Shrines

The skull of Saint Titus is kept and honored in the Church of St. Titus in Heraklion, Crete. It was brought back to Crete in 1966.

Patronage and Awards

Titus is the patron saint of Crete. He is also the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps. This group of military chaplains has an award named after him.

The Order of Titus Award is a special honor. It is given to chaplains and chaplain assistants who do an amazing job. It recognizes their excellent work in training soldiers for religious support. This award shows how important their ministry is.

See also

A robot for kids' content

In Spanish: Tito de Creta para niños

• Epistle of Pseudo-Titus