Apostles

The Holy Apostle James, brother of John the Theologian, often referred to as "the Elder" or "the Greater”, was one of Jesus' Twelve Apostles. He was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and a cousin of Jesus through his mother. James preached throughout Jerusalem and Judea and played a significant role in the early Christian community, witnessing key events such as the Transfiguration and the agony of Jesus. He was a man of courage, forgiveness, and extraordinary faith. James was beheaded during the feast of the Passover in Judea by Herod Agrippa in AD 44. He was the first of the twelve to become a martyr and is symbolized by three shells.

His feast day is April 30.

Bartholomew the Apostle, who is believed to be the same as Nathanael, was born in Cana of Galilee, possibly of noble birth, and was taken to Christ Jesus by Philip at the Jordan. After the Ascension of the Lord it is said that he preached the Gospel in India and was known for his scholarship in the law and prophets. Tradition says he was a missionary in Armenia and India, with the Armenian Church claiming him as its founder and martyr. He was martyred by being flayed alive with knives and crucified upside down in Armenia. His symbol is three parallel knives.



Barnabas was a good man “full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”  He was counted among the first of the faithful at Jerusalem, preached the Gospel at Antioch and introduced Saul of Tarsus, just converted, to a number of the brothers.  He accompanied Paul in his first trip to Asia to evangelize.  He was present at the Council of Jerusalem.  Having returned to the island of Cyprus, his native land, he spread the Gospel there.

Their feast day is June 11.
         

James, son of Alpheus or Cleophas and Mary, lived in Galilee and was the brother of Apostle Jude. Often referred to as "the Younger" or "the Lesser," James made notable contributions to the development of early Christian theology. He was one of the Twelve, a witness of the true words and miracles of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a witness of his passion, resurrection, and ascension.  After the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, James preached the Gospel in Eleutheropolis and nearby regions. He was martyred in Egypt, where he was crucified by pagans. Tradition also holds he may have been sawed into pieces or stoned to death—hence, the saw became his apostolic symbol.

His feast day is October 9.

Simon, also known as the Zealot or Canaanite, lived in Galilee and was one of the lesser-known followers. He is believed to have succeeded James as Bishop of Jerusalem. The New Testament describes him as a fanatical Jewish Nationalist and member of the Zealots, who were known for their hatred towards the Romans. Despite this, Simon became a man of faith and abandoned his hatred for his Master and fellow disciples. Tradition has it that he was martyred by crucifixion in Beruit. His apostolic symbol is a fish on a Bible, representing his transformation from a fisherman to a preacher.

Judas Iscariot, the traitor, was the son of Simon from Kerioth of Judah. He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and later hanged himself (Matthew 26:14,16). Judas was a treasurer, and a violent Jewish Nationalist who hoped to realize his dreams through Jesus. He was also covetous and stole from the common purse. Judas' apostolic symbol is a hangman's noose or a money purse with falling silver. He was replaced by Matthias (cf. Acts 1:15-26). 

Thomas Didymus, also known as Doubting Thomas, was a Galilean who preached in Iran, Afghanistan, and India. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke only mention his name, John provides a more detailed account of Thomas' interactions with Jesus. Thomas doubted Jesus' resurrection until he saw the nail prints in His hands and the gash of the spear in His side. However, his doubts were transformed into faith when he saw Jesus and made the greatest confession of faith by calling Him "My Lord and my God." Thomas was a courageous man of devotion and faith who was commissioned to build a palace for the king of India before his death. He was speared to death in India, and is buried in Myalapore, India. His symbol is a group of spears, stones, and arrows.

His feast day is October 6.

Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector from Capernaum who wrote the Gospel of Matthew and was martyred in Ethiopia. Jesus called him to be an apostle despite the hatred towards tax collectors in Jewish society. Matthew's pen was his tool and he became the first to write down the teachings of Jesus in Hebrew. He preached throughout the Mediterranean region. He is believed to have been martyred in Ethiopia. His apostolic symbol is three money bags, representing his former profession.

Jude, also known as Thaddeus or Lebbeus, was brother of James the Younger/Lesser. Jude preached in Edessa and the Mesopotamia region, healing many and converting believers. He was a Nationalist who dreamed of world power and asked Jesus why he did not show himself to the world. He was killed with arrows at Ararat and is symbolized by a ship as a missionary and fisherman.

St. Jude is also associated with the color green, which represents hope and renewal. It is common to see images of St. Jude wearing a green cloak or holding a green branch. In addition, St. Jude is often depicted with a flame above his head, which symbolizes the Holy Spirit and the power of God's love.

Matthias replaced Judas in Acts 1:15-26 after being chosen over Joseph or Barsabas, who were also considered. Matthias was selected through casting lots and was with Jesus from His baptism until His resurrection. Though there are few details about Matthias in the Bible, historical sources indicate that he lived until 80 A.D. and spread the gospel in Caspian and Cappadocia.