Righteous Righteous Tabitha of Joppa

Righteous Tabitha (Greek: Dorcas, "gazelle") of Joppa was a Christian woman living in the ancient port city of Joppa (modern Jaffa) in the 1st century AD, during the age of the apostles. Known for her charity, she made clothing for the poor and widows of the local Christian community.

When she fell ill and died, the grieving widows sent for the Apostle Peter, who was nearby in Lydda. Peter came to the upper room where her body lay, knelt in prayer, then turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, arise" — and she opened her eyes and sat up, restored to life (Acts 9:36-42).

The miracle led many in Joppa to believe in Christ. Tabitha's commemoration was formally added to the Russian Orthodox Church calendar in December 1957. She is venerated today as a patroness of seamstresses and a model of practical almsgiving.