The tomb of Saint Philip, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ was discovered in Pamukkale (the ancient city of Hierapolis), in Turkey.
Vatican Insider reports that Italian archaeologists Francesco D’Andria who headed the team pointed out that the tomb has not yet been opened but that it will be sooner or later. The report further quotes D’Andria who said that the discovery is “of primary importance to archaeology and to the Christian world.”
Turkish news agency Anadolu reported D’Andria remarks that the structure of the tomb and the writings on the wall proved it belonged to St. Philip.
Philip was one of Christ’s first disciples. His name stands in the fifth place after the two pairs of brothers, Peter and Andrew, James and John (Matthew 10:2-4).
According to St John’s Gospel, Philip, comes from Bethsaida (1:43–51), he answered Christ call (“Follow me”), and brought Nathaniel (also known as Bartholomew, the Apostle), to Jesus (1:43-45).
In the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus turned to Philip with a question, ‘Where are we to buy bread to feed these people?’ Philip replied, we would need 200 denarii to buy enough bread for each of them to have a little. (John 6:5–9). He brought word to Jesus that certain Greeks had asked to see him (John 12:21–22). At the last supper Philip asked Jesus to reveal the Father, and Jesus replied, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:8–9).
According to tradition he was crucified upside down at Hierapolis under Emperor Domitian. His feast day is May 3.