Matt. X, 1-4:1 And calling his twelve disciples, he gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out and heal every sickness and every disease. 2 The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, James Zebedee and John, his brother, 3 Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Mk. III, 13-19:13 Then he went up the mountain and called to himself whom he himself wanted; and they came to him. 14 And set from them twelve, that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach, 15 and that they might have power to heal sickness and cast out demons; 16 set Simon, calling him the name of Peter, 17 James of Zebedee and John, brother of James, calling them the names of Boanerges, that is, "sons of thunder", 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon Zebedee 19 and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
OK. VI, 12-16:12 In those days He went up to the mountain to pray, and remained all night in prayer to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James of Alpheus and Simon, nicknamed the Zealot, 16 Judas Jacob and Judas Iscariot, who later became a traitor.
A guide to the study of the Four Gospels
Prot. Seraphim Slobodskoy (1912-1971).
According to the book "The Law of God", 1957.
The election of the apostles
(Matthew X, 2-14; Mark III, 13-19; Luke VI, 12-16; VIII, 1-3)
Gradually, the number of disciples of Jesus Christ increased. Once, while in Galilee, Jesus Christ climbed a mountain to pray and spent the whole night in prayer. When the day came, He called His disciples, chose twelve of them and called them apostles, that is, messengers, since He sent them to preach His teaching.
The names of the twelve apostles are as follows:
1. Simon, whom the Savior called Peter.
2. Andrew, brother of Simon Peter, called the First-Called.
3. James Zebedee.
4. John Zebedee, brother of James, called the Theologian. These two brothers, James and John, for their fiery zeal, the Savior called Boanerges, which means sons of thunder.
5. Philip.
6. Nathanael, son of Folomew, and therefore called Bartholomew.
7. Thomas, also called Didymus, which means twin.
8. Matthew, otherwise Levi, a former publican.
9. James, the son of Alpheus (otherwise Cleopas), called the lesser, in contrast to James Zebedee.
10. Simon, nicknamed Canaanite, otherwise Zealot, which means zealot.
11. Judas Iakovlev, he also had other names: Leveya and Thaddeus.
12. Judas Iscariot (from the city of Cariota), who later betrayed Jesus Christ.
The Lord gave the apostles the power to heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead.
In addition to these twelve main apostles, Jesus Christ later chose seventy more apostles: Mark, Luke, Cleopas and others. He also sent them to preach.
When the seventy apostles returned from the sermon, they joyfully said to Jesus Christ: “Lord! and the demons obey us in Your name.”
He said to them: “Rejoice not in this, that the spirits obey you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven,” that is, do not rejoice at the miracles that are given to you for preaching, but rejoice that you will receive bliss and eternal life with God, in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In addition to the disciples, Jesus Christ was constantly accompanied by some women, healed by Him, who served Him with their property, such as: Mary Magdalene (from the city of Magdala), from whom Jesus cast out seven demons, John, the wife of Chuza, the steward of Herod, Susanna and many others.
Archbishop Averky (Taushev) (1906-1976)
Guide to the Study of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament. Four Gospels. Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, 1954.
6. Election of the Twelve Apostles
(Matthew X, 2-4; Mark III, 13-19; Luke VI, 12-16)
Having spent the whole night in prayer, undoubtedly about the establishment of the Church founded by Him, on the mountain, according to the ancients, on Tabor, the Lord called His disciples and chose 12 of them so that they would constantly be with Him and could then testify about Him. These were, as it were, the leaders of the new future 12 tribes of New Israel. The number 12 has a significant meaning in Holy Scripture, like the product of 3 and 4: Three is the eternal uncreated Being of God, four is the number of the world - 4 countries of the world. The number 12 denotes the penetration of the human and the world by the Divine. The first three Evangelists and Prince. Acts gives us a list of the names of the 12 Apostles. What is remarkable about this list is that the Apostles are everywhere divided into three groups of 4 people each, and at the head of each group are the same names and in each group the same persons. The names of the Apostles are as follows: 1) Simon-Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, b) Bartholomew, 7) Thomas, 8) Matthew, 9) Jacob Alfeev, 10) Leoveus or Thaddeus, as they called Judas Jacob, 11) Simon the Zealot or Zealot, and 12) Judas Iscariot. Bartholomew is the same whom Ev. John calls Nathanael: Canaanite is a translation into Heb. lang. The Greek word "zealot" means "zealot". That was the name of the Jewish party, jealous of the independence of the Jewish state. The word "Iscariot" is considered to be composed of two words: "Ish" - husband and "Kariot" - the name of the city. The very word "Apostle" in Greek means "messenger", which corresponded to the appointment of the elect to be sent to preach. For the greater success of their preaching, the Lord gave them the power to heal sickness and cast out demons.
A. V. Ivanov (1837-1912)
Guide to the Study of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament. Four Gospels. SPb., 1914.
Election of the Apostles
(Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16, Matt. 101-4)
After many miracles and long-term teaching, Jesus Christ chooses from among His permanent followers - 12 disciples, whom He calls Apostles. Before choosing them, He spent the whole night in prayer. The names of the Apostles according to the lists of the three Gospels and the Book of Acts (1:13) are as follows: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, the sons of Jonah, James and John - the sons of Zebedee, Philip and Bartholomew (otherwise called Nathanael, as they guess), Matthew, or Levi Alfeev, a publican and, it seems, his brother Jacob Alfeev (the younger), as well as Thomas the twin, Judas Jacoblev, called Leove and Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot or Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who later became a traitor to his Teacher.
1. The twelvefold number of the Apostles obviously refers to the number of the 12 tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:30)=Rev. 21:12,14). The title Apostle was supposed to signify their Divine mission, and in this sense is applied to Jesus Christ Himself par excellence (Heb. 3:1).
2. The difference in the order in which the names of the Apostles are given by various Evangelists and even by the same Luke (Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:13) proves that there was no strict distinction between the disciples of Jesus Christ in seniority; and the difference in the names of some of them is explained by the custom of having several names and changing them on important occasions in life (=Abram - Abraham, Jacob - Israel, Esau - Edom, Solomon - Ieddedi, etc.).
3. At the same time, it can be noted that in all the verses of the Apostles, those seven disciples are first entered, whose calling is described in the Gospels. Only Matthew for some reason puts Thomas before himself, although the calling of Thomas is nowhere mentioned.
4. Upon closer examination of the lists of the Apostles, we can note the following:
a) Simon, the son of Jonah, from Bethsaida of Galilee, is called from Jesus Peter, or Cephas (in Syrian), which means stone. In the list of Apostles, he is always the first: but this did not give him the primacy of honor and power over other Apostles. He was in the same relation to all the Apostles, as each of them to his successors.
b) His brother Andrew, who was at first a disciple of the Forerunner, is called the First-Called, as the first one called by Jesus Christ to follow (John 1:41).
c) James and John, the sons of thunder - boanerges (in Syrian, Mark 3:17), enjoyed the special love of Jesus Christ and, together with Peter, were among His closest disciples and co-workers, in the most important cases of His life. They received the name of the sons of thunder, probably for their jealousy (Luke 9:54), Their mother Salome, according to legend, was the daughter of Joseph the Betrothed, and therefore the sister of Jesus Christ in the flesh; it seems she was also a companion of Jesus Christ. At least she appears at His burial. And before that, she asks Jesus Christ for the seating of her sons on both sides of His Throne during the opening of His kingdom. John calls himself a beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, he reclined on His chest at the last supper and, standing at the Cross, was adopted by the Mother of God.
d) Of the other Apostles, attention is also drawn by Jacob Alpheus or the small one, whom many confuse with James, the brother of the Lord, although he was never considered among the 12 and, according to legend, was the son not of Alpheus or Cleopas, but of Joseph the Betrothed from his first wife . The nickname of his small or younger was given to him in contrast to James Zebedee.
e) Judas, in all likelihood, the son of some Jacob, and not the brother of Jacob Alfeev. Other names of Judah - Thaddeus and Levvey - consider the first Chaldean, the other Jewish.
f) It is noted about Simon that he was called a Canaanite, perhaps a Canaanite, or rather, a resident of Cana; another nickname for him Zealot is probably a translation of the name Kananit, that is, a zealot. In the last war of the Jews, the party of the Zealots was known - but it hardly existed at the time of Jesus Christ.
g) Judas Iscariot (Ishkariot in Judaic), a husband from Karioth, a small city in the tribe of Judah (Josh. 15:25, according to the Russian text - Kiriath, in Slavonic city). But some produce the name Iscariot from the Syrian word for skariut, which means husband, or keeper of the casket, treasurer, as pointed out by the Evangelist John (12:6; 13:29).
5. Examining the lists of the Apostles and paying attention to the indications of their places of origin, we can notice that all of them - with the exception of Judas the traitor - were Galileans, inhabitants of a country despised by the Jews, as if to prove that God, buoying the world, was chosen, but the wise God will put to shame, and the weak of the world, God will put to shame, and the strong and wicked of the world, and the humble will be chosen by God, and not existing, that he will abolish what is (1 Cor. 1:27,28). Judas Iscariot was one of Judea - from that tribe that was most proud of the purity of blood, although even the prophet Daniel said that even the elders among them are not Jews, but the sons of Ham (13:56; Eze. 13:3,46) - and it was alienated from any communication with the pagan Samaritans and even the Galileans.
And he became a traitor to his Teacher - thus being, both by name and by his relationship to Jesus, the representative of his people, who betrayed his Messiah to death and was rejected by God for that.
6. Jesus chooses the 12 Apostles not immediately after they enter into His company, but after a whole year of following Him and testing their disposition, and therefore, after they themselves have matured the determination to follow the Galilean Teacher and share with Him His labors and perils. True, even after they were elected to the number of 12, for a long time they could not get rid of the prejudices inherent in their people and deceptive aspirations regarding the kingdom of the Messiah; but under the influence of the teachings of Christ and seeing the increasingly growing enmity of the leaders of the people towards Jesus, they gradually got used to the idea of the possibility of death predicted by Him and prepared to share His fate with Him (John 11:16; Matt. 26:35 ; Mark 14:31).
A closer acquaintance with the character of the Apostles chosen by Jesus shows that each of them was distinguished by some special trait of virtue, necessary for the future preacher and co-worker with Christ in the Church He is building on Earth. So, Peter was distinguished by firmness of faith; Jacob with zeal and fervor, as can be seen from the fact that he and his brother John
called the son of thunder and the first of the 12 suffered martyrdom (Acts 12:2).
John, in addition to ardor, was distinguished by especially tender love for his Teacher and deep insight into the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Bartholomew (Nathanael) - with simplicity of heart, Philip with friendliness, Matthew with unselfishness and meekness; Thomas - prudent caution; Andrei - like his brother Peter - was distinguished by firmness and courage, which is why - probably - his former name was left unchanged for him (Andrey means courageous).
Unfortunately, neither the Gospels nor the traditions have preserved for us detailed and complete information about the life and work of the other Apostles; but there is no doubt that all of them, except for Judas Iscariot, were distinguished by zeal in spreading the sermon, devotion and obedience to their Teacher, and selflessness. These traits of their character were known to Jesus and served as the main motive for Him to choose them among His closest disciples and friends.
7. The selection of Judas among the 12 Apostles showed that this disciple had many good qualities that made him worthy of the face of the Apostle: he did not leave Jesus even at a time when many, tempted by His teaching, left Him (Jn. 6:66); he shared with his Master the needs and deprivations (Mt. 19:27); he, along with others, was sent to preach in Israel and was awarded the gift of healing and casting out demons (Matt. 10:5,8). Unfortunately, the good qualities and works of this Apostle were darkened and destroyed by the passion of greed, which led him to complete destruction. It is precisely this passion, and not some secret antagonism between him, as a Jew and the other Apostles - as the Galileans - that the Evangelist John explains why Judas became a traitor to Jesus (John 12:6).
8. Did Jesus Christ foresee the betrayal of Judas? And if he foresaw, then why did he choose him among the Apostles? The Evangelists leave no doubt that Jesus does not require, but who testifies about men: He Himself knew what was in a man (John 2:25), and therefore often penetrated into the hearts and thoughts of His listeners - and even more so could comprehend inclinations of His closest disciples and to foresee their actions (Matt. 26:31-35).
The very election of the Apostles was made by Jesus already in the second year of His ministry - that is, after His disciples were sufficiently acquainted with His teachings and were prepared for the work for which they were elected - and was done after a long and no doubt fervent prayer of the God-Man to the Heavenly Father.
If, for all that, the son of perdition was included in the rank of the Apostles, then, as some people guess, this was allowed by the Heavenly Father, according to some special care, so that the cross of Golgotha, which He was destined to bear once, would not leave Him all life and was before His eyes in the person of one of His closest disciples and companions.
The presence of this disciple in the vicinity of the God-man should have vomited from his loving heart His painful cries to the Heavenly Father and that the cup of suffering that awaits Him should pass by, and about the salvation of the son of perdition (John 17:12); the presence of Judas with Jesus was like a double-edged sword that penetrated the heart of Jesus and disturbed His joys, experienced by him from the faith of the disciples and the conversion of sinners.
Each of the 12 apostles of Christ, whose names have survived to this day, made a significant contribution to the development. But who were these people who were chosen by the Son of God himself? And what contribution did they make to world and church history?
Apostle Peter and his story
In the Jewish city of Bethsaida, two brothers were born in a simple fishing family: Andrei and Shimon. It seemed that the life of the commoners was sealed by their origins. Growing up, the brothers also fished, as their father once did, and before him their grandfather.
In adulthood, the men moved to live on the coast of the Sea of Galilee. There Shimon found himself a wife. And his brother Andrei did not want to rush into marriage and helped his brother in the fishing business.
One day, two fishermen brothers met Jesus on the coast. He invited them to follow him. Andrei responded immediately, but Shimon doubted for some time, but nevertheless decided to go with his brother.
Although technically Andrew was the first disciple and servant of Christ to respond to the call, Jesus singled out among others Shimon, whom he gave the nickname Cephas. The Greeks called this apostle Peter. These names at that time could be translated as "stone". Christ promised Peter to entrust the keys to the Kingdom of God.
Catholics consider Peter the first pope. All other Christians call him the founder of the holy church. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the apostle Peter preached so ardently and ardently that listening to his sermons, thousands of people began to believe in the Lord and his son. Peter was executed for preaching. On the site of his burial was built St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
Andrew was called the First-Called because Jesus spoke to him first. He differed from his brother Peter not only in character, but also in his outlook on life. After the death of his beloved teacher, the meek young man went on a missionary mission to the lands of Scythia and Greece.
According to historical data, Andrew traveled half the world with his sermons. It is believed that he converted Russia to Christianity. Andrei, like his brother, was executed for his faith. But before that, he managed to perform many miracles, healed hundreds of patients. And all the time he was persecuted by the opponents of the new religion.
John, like Peter and Andrew, was a fisherman. Jesus Christ called him the Beloved Disciple. And he was called the Theologian thanks to the four Gospels and the text of the Apocalypse, which he wrote for all the followers of Christianity.
Before the crucifixion, Christ entrusted John with an important task. He asked to take care of his mother Mary. According to one version, this apostle was an earthly relative of Jesus. And after the execution of the teacher, he diligently followed his instructions.
Today Jacob is known in many European countries. The Bible says that he was the brother of John the Evangelist. After preaching in Southern Europe, the apostle was executed by King Herod. His relics were buried in the castle of a noblewoman named Lupa in Spain. In 825, a monk accidentally found the remains of a saint. A church was built on this site.
These apostles carefully recorded all the lessons of Jesus Christ. They preached in Galilee, Greece, Syria, Armenia, Ethiopia, Arabia, and Asia Minor.
For their activities, the disciples of Christ also suffered martyrdom at the hands of those whom they healed from illnesses by the power of their faith. Based on biblical history, the 12 apostles of Christ, whose names Christians still remember today, preached the teachings of the Savior to their last breath, despite cruel tortures and threats.
The gospel of Matthew is especially revered by Christians. And there are the following reasons for this:
- it was Matthew who wrote the biography of Jesus Christ;
- even the disciple of the Savior made a retelling of the famous Sermon on the Mount, which is a summary of the entire Christian teaching.
In the world, this apostle was a toll collector. But he left his job and followed Christ at his first call.
Apostle Thomas. Outward resemblance to the Savior
From birth, Thomas was named by his parents Judas. But when he met Jesus, he received from him the nickname "Thomas", which in translation meant "twin". One of the legends says that this apostle had an incredible external resemblance to Christ himself. But this information is not confirmed anywhere else.
Thanks to one saying of this apostle, the expression "Thomas the unbeliever" appeared. When Christ was resurrected, Thomas was not near his tomb. And after the wonderful news, he said that he would not believe it, since he had not seen everything with his own eyes. Thomas preached for a long time in India. There he was executed for his activities.
The three apostles, according to some historical sources, were half-brothers of Christ. Jacob was given the second name Alfeev. The rest were called by the names that were given to them from birth.
According to one version, this disciple of Christ was the only native of Judea. The rest were Galileans. The apostle Jude was in charge of the treasury of the community. Traveling with Jesus, he performed miracles of healing. There were legends that Judas could even raise the dead.
But the fate of the most zealous apostle of the community was predetermined. Christ Himself predicted to him that he would betray him for 30 pieces of silver. Judas then repented, refused the money, and committed suicide by hanging.
After a long time in Egypt, they found the Codex Chakos, which was then called "from Judas." This text contains information that Judas is the only disciple who comprehended all the Divine mysteries. Although the controversy on this issue does not subside even today.
The disciples of Jesus, the 12 apostles of Christ, whose names are well known to everyone, went down in history as the founders and spreaders of his teachings. They were his faithful servants and admirers. They wrote down everything that the Son of the Lord said. And they did not leave their activity even after the crucifixion of Christ. They themselves were martyred for their faith. And they did not deviate from their convictions, sacrificing their lives in order to convert as many people as possible to Christianity.
In almost every world religion, in addition to the figure of the messenger of the Lord or the prophet, there are a number of people who helped spread the faith. In Christianity, such people are the apostles, for the veneration of which the corresponding icon of the 12 apostles is used, which depicts the closest disciples of Christ, the great preachers of the Christian faith.
In Greek, the word apostle means messenger, that is, it indicates the main activity of these people. They were sent by Christ to spread his faith throughout the earth.
The apostles began to preach after the Resurrection of Christ, and then not immediately, but after Pentecost, when they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Who became the apostles
In fact, the group of disciples of Christ did not form immediately. Even after meeting the Savior, many of the apostles continued to fish and left their occupations only after the miracles that He showed. Now they have become "catchers of men" and not of fish.
In addition to the formed group of 12 closest disciples, there was another of the 70 apostles. They were divided into pairs, and each had a free choice of the country for preaching.
The closest students, in turn, were endowed with great tasks, but also with great opportunities. In order for them to be able to preach in pagan countries, the Lord granted them not only steadfastness, but also the opportunity to manifest various miracles and spread grace. Thus, the apostles had the opportunity to strengthen the faith of ordinary people and attract them to the true faith.
Names of 12 holy apostles
Let's briefly talk about each of the 12 apostles depicted on the icon.
- Peter. He became the first bishop of Rome and at the same time was crucified in Rome upside down. He preached in the countries of the East and Asia Minor, as well as in Britain.
- Andrew the First-Called. He is especially valuable for the inhabitants of Russia, since he preached in this territory, as well as in Macedonia, Thrace and Byzantium. Brother of Peter. Crucified in Patras on an X-shaped cross.
- Jacob Zavedeev. He is the brother of John the Theologian, preached in Spain. Killed by the sword in Jerusalem.
- John the Theologian. The only apostle who died peacefully of old age. The author of the famous revelation, evangelist.
- Philip. Carried a sermon in the territories of Arabia and Ethiopia, Greece and Phrygia, where he was crucified upside down.
- Bartholomew. He accompanied Philip on his travels, also traveled to India and Armenia, where he was also crucified and also upside down, in addition, the pagans carefully flayed his skin. The relics are partially located in Rome.
- Thomas. The same one, whom Christ strengthened in faith, preached in Parthia, Media, Persia, India, where he was pierced with spears and left the mortal world. Part of the relics remained in India, the city of Edessa, the rest in Hungary and Constantinople.
- Matthew. He is the first evangelist, preached in the lands of Syria and Macedonia, was crucified in Africa, after which he was burned and probably eaten by cannibals.
- Jacob Alfeev. He is the brother of Matthew, preached in Palestine, Judea, Edessa, Gaza and Egypt, where he was crucified.
- Judas Yakovlev. He is a brother of Christ, preached in the territory of the modern Middle East. Crucified and pierced with arrows in Armenia.
- Simon Zealot. He preached in North Africa and in Abkhazia, where he was crucified on the cross.
- Matthias. He replaced Judas Iscariot, who, for obvious reasons, was excluded from the number of apostles. He preached in Macedonia, Colchis and Judea, where he was stoned.
As you can see, only the only one of those included in the composition of the icon of the holy apostles completed his earthly journey peacefully. The rest were desecrated and martyred like Christ. Nevertheless, as Christian sources testify, each apostle adequately performed his own work.
Additionally, it should be noted Paul (Saul), who is not observed either among the 12 or among the 70 apostles. Nevertheless, he belongs to the top apostles (along with Peter) and was called to serve by Christ himself, after the Resurrection.
The meaning of the icon Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles
The iconographic image includes the very first Christian ascetics, it was thanks to these people that the rest of the believers learned about the path to Salvation. In addition, they simply did a lot of good on earth and helped people, representing the ideals of philanthropy and meekness. Therefore, the significance of these personalities and prayer before the icon of the twelve apostles for every Orthodox was and remains very significant.
By value, the icon of the 12 apostles helps in reconciliation between people and the healing of ailments. In addition, the apostles are also considered protectors from evil spirits.
Prayer before the icon of the 12 apostles
Almighty Master, Lord our God, choosing His beloved disciples and Apostles to preach salvation to the whole world, giving them the power to forgive sins, accept their petitions for the human race, and judge them with them, those very ones, like Your friends, who are very honest to us, we dare, unworthy, in intercession to Thee, hastening much to the salvation of our souls, bring them, praying them fervently.
Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, Evangelists of Christ John the Theologian and Matthew, First-Called Disciple Andrew, who blessed Russia with the erection of the Cross, Apostles to St. James, Brother of the Lord, with another James, Philip, Bartholomew, Fomo, Simone, Jude and Matthias!
All the holy apostles of God's election, the most worthy saints of Christ, godless eradicators and true planters of faith, help us with your powerful intercession before the Lord, get rid of all evil and enemy flattery, firmly preserve the Orthodox faith devoted to you, in it by your intercession neither by wounds, not by prohibition, nor pestilence, we will not belittle our Creator with any wrath, but we will live a peaceful life here and let us be able to see the good on the land of the living, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, who is one in the Trinity, glorified and worshiped by God, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.
Jesus Christ gathered a multitude of people around Him during His sojourn on earth. They listened to His sermons, followed Him, learned the truth. But only 12 were elected.
What were the names of the closest disciples of Christ? They were called apostles. Apostle from Greek means ἀπόστολος - ambassador, messenger.
exactly how many disciples Christ called for his mission
The 12 apostles of Christ listened to the preaching of the teacher, and after the death and Ascension of the Savior, they carried the good news of victory over death. Healed many people, by word and touch.
The disciples of Jesus Christ were the founders of the first Christian churches, they preached to people. The first manuscripts of Holy Scripture were written by the apostles.
The Gospel says that the Lord called 12 disciples. On the walls of temples and on icons, the apostles are always depicted next to Christ. In the Orthodox Church, each apostle has his own day for veneration and remembrance. Christians also celebrate the day of all the apostles.
Jesus and His disciples. The Savior chose 12 apostles. He taught them to love people and the Lord. Pray and repent. Spread the Good News of the Savior around the world
Names of 12 apostles. Throughout their lives, the apostles proclaimed the gospel of Christ and Salvation.
Many people know this. But not everyone knows some of the changes that occurred after the betrayal of one of the apostles.
The names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ in order: Andrew, Peter, John, James Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew Levi, Thomas, James Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon and Judas Iscariot.
When the traitor Judas Iscariot committed suicide, the apostles decided to replace him. The lot pointed to Matthias, who became the 12th apostle.
The holy apostle Paul was not a disciple of Christ. He was a Pharisee and a persecutor of Christians.
He imprisoned many saints and killed them. Called by the Lord himself, he heard the voice of the Most High, believed, and began to preach.
He preached a lot. He made a huge contribution to Christianity and was numbered among the apostles.
The apostles made a great contribution to Christianity. What was their activity? After the ascension of Jesus Christ, the apostles knew that their main task was to preach the Christian doctrine.
All the apostles, except John, died a martyr's death. They brought people the love and grace of God. Done in the name of Christ!
They brought people the love and grace of God. Done in the name of Christ!
The apostles were ordinary people. But the Lord chose them. The whole secret is in the spiritual wealth of these people.
The 12 disciples of Jesus were ordinary people, almost all of them uneducated. They couldn't even write. Almost all were from small villages. But the Lord chose them, and not rich, noble people. Christ Himself said of them:
“God chose the weak and the foolish to shame the prudent.”
In the Bible we can see how their souls tossed about, they had a desperate struggle with themselves. But as soon as they saw the Risen Savior, their struggle and spiritual doubts immediately left.
The Holy Spirit touched them, they realized all the divine power. They became rich spiritually and firm in faith. They were ready to turn the whole world over to save each of us.
The holy apostles were brave, courageous people. They left the worries and vanity of life and carried the good news of the Risen Christ into the world.
Their feet, beaten in blood, weather-beaten faces, staves and the incomparable greatness of people who saw God himself come in the flesh.
The great apostles learned the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. To become fishers of men, for the eternal life of all mankind Which of the apostles was a fisherman? Peter was a spiritual leader, preached and healed people
When we read Holy Scripture, we trace the different characters and fates of the apostles. One of the apostles was called Simon, but the Lord gave him the name Peter, which means "stone."
“But Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Then Jesus answered and said to him: Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonas,
because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you, but my Father,
Existing in heaven. And I say to you: you are Peter, and on this rock
I will build My Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
(Matthew 16:16-18)
He was the brother of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, who led him to Christ. Simon - Peter was an ordinary fisherman. He was always devoted and determined, strong in spirit.
When the Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, he denied Him three times. But afterwards he bitterly repented and repented.
The Apostle Peter the first contributed to the spread of the church. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, his preaching converted 3,000 people to the faith.
It became the first stone of a spiritual building called the church.
The missionary activity of the apostles spread throughout the world. They preached in Turkey, Armenia, India
Peter preached the gospel in different countries. He raised the dead and healed the sick. Gathered the first Council in Jerusalem. For 25 years he was the first bishop in Rome.
Andrew the Primordial - the first disciple of Jesus Christ
John preached the Good News in Ephesus and other cities of Asia Minor. Many times he was sentenced to death. But neither the deadly poison nor the cauldron of boiling oil harmed him.
Andrew the First-Called is the first disciple of Jesus Christ. He preached the Word of God in Macedonia, Asia Minor, on the Danube, walked along the coast of the Black Sea, Crimea. He reached the place where the city of Kyiv is now located.
There the Apostle Andrew put up a cross and blessed the place.
Jacob Zevedeev (the Elder) - preached about the resurrected Christ in Jerusalem and other cities.
Jacob Alfeev (the Younger) - preached in Judea and in the southeast of present-day Turkey.
Judas Thaddeus - carried the Good News in Syria, Palestine, Arabia and Mesopotamia.
Simon Kananit (Zealot) - preached the Gospel in Judea, Egypt, Abkhazia and Libya.
Philip - preached in Galilee, Greece and in Hierapolis of Syria.
Bartholomew - preached the Gospel in Asia Minor and India.
Matthew - spoke about Christ in Asia and Ethiopia.
Thomas - Jesus was a disciple. He preached in Parthia and India.
Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ.
After the betrayal, he committed suicide.
Memorial Day of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Apostles of Christ
Matthias had a lot to be the 12th apostle, after the betrayal of Judas. He preached in the city of Tyana, in Syrian Antioch, in Sinope, in Amasia, Edessa and Sebastia. He also carried the Good News in Ethiopia and Macedonia.
Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus) - was not among the 12 apostles. The Lord called him after the descent of the Holy Spirit. He is revered on a par with other apostles.
He preached Christ in Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, Cyprus, Crete, Malta and Sicily, as well as in Rome.
The life of the apostles was not easy at all. With the exception of John the Evangelist, all the disciples of Christ died a martyr's death
Apostle Andrew the First-Called was the first disciple of Jesus Christ. After John the Baptist preached about God's Savior, he was the first to follow Jesus.
Therefore, he was called the First-Called. Crucified around 70 AD in the city of Patras (Greece). The feast day of this saint is celebrated on December 13th.
John the Theologian was a beloved disciple of Christ. He was the only one who died a natural death.
The Apostles Peter and Paul did a lot to spread Christianity on earth. They are the most revered in Orthodoxy. Peter and Paul embody spiritual steadfastness and firmness.
They were both executed in 67 in Rome on the same day under the emperor Nero. The feast day of these saints is celebrated on June 29.
Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus) - was not among the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ
Bartholomew - was a native of Cana of Galilee. Jesus said of him: "a Jew in whom there is no guile." He preached in India and brought a copy of the Gospel of Matthew there.
The pagans crucified him, but he continued to preach. Then they skinned him and then beheaded him. The feast day of this saint is celebrated on June 11.
Jacob Alfeev (younger) was a publican. James the Younger was stoned to death around the year 65. AD, in Marmarik. The day of memory of this saint is celebrated on November 29.
James Zevedeev - fisherman, brother of John the Theologian. The Apostle James was with other apostles on the Mount of Transfiguration when the Lord revealed His power and glory in Jesus Christ.
Judas Thaddeus or Jacoblev - was the son of Joseph the Betrothed. He died a martyr's death in Armenia in the second half of the 1st century AD. e. The feast day of this saint is celebrated on October 28.
Matthew or Levi was a publican. Almost nothing is known about his death. According to some sources, he was martyred in Ethiopia, according to others, he was executed in Asia Minor. The day of memory of this saint is celebrated on November 16.
Philip - was born in Bethsaida. He knew the Bible very well and was waiting for the coming of the Messiah. He immediately followed Christ. The Apostle Philip was crucified upside down. The day of memory of this saint is celebrated on November 27.
Apostle Matthias, he was chosen to be the 12th apostle, after the betrayal of Judas
Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus' disciples. Martyrdom overtook him on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. He was sawn to death with a saw. The day of memory of this saint is celebrated on May 23.
Thomas - nicknamed the Unbeliever. At first he did not believe in the Resurrection of Christ. But the first called Christ Lord and was ready to go to his death. The Apostle Thomas was pierced with a spear. The feast day of this saint is celebrated on October 19.
Matthias was blessed to be the 12th apostle. He was born in Bethlehem. Studied the law of God from early childhood. Matthias preached in many countries.
When he returned to Judea, he was sentenced to death and stoned to death. This saint's day is celebrated on August 9th.
The great God used ordinary illiterate people to create His Church and save all mankind
The choice of disciples made by Jesus Christ was not accidental. The strength of spirit and faith in the Savior were sincere and unshakable among these people.
Thanks to their sermons and teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven, we learned about the Son of God, about the Messiah and the Savior.
Having resurrected, Christ sent disciples to preach the gospel throughout the world.
"Go, then, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles felt joy, a surge of spiritual strength. The Holy Spirit helped them spread the Word of God throughout the world.
The Great Lord was able to use simple, weak and sinful people to create his Church.
Video: Election of 12 apostles.
There were exactly as many apostles in Jesus Christ as there were 12 tribes (tribes) of Israel. All 12 apostles of Christ were ordinary people and for the most part earned their living by fishing. All the main messengers of Christ are from Israel. Christ gave each of the 12 apostles a name that characterized his inner essence and clearly reflected the character of the Saint.
The 12 apostles of Christ, whose names entered the history of Christianity forever, lived a difficult life, were repeatedly tortured and persecuted, and died a martyr's death.
All 12 apostles of Christ were ordinary people
Peter
One of the first disciples of Jesus, whom He called to follow him. Peter was born in the family of an ordinary fisherman Jonah and received the name Simon. The apostle later received the name "Peter" from Christ, who, looking at him, called him Cephas, which means "stone" in Aramaic. In Greek, this name sounded like "Peter".
Before meeting Christ, the apostle was married and raised 2 children. His character was irascible. He was an ordinary man who made his living by catching fish. According to one version, Peter met Jesus while fishing with his brother Andrew.
One of the first disciples of Jesus whom He called to follow him
Peter was one of the most beloved disciples of Christ. When he saw Jesus walking on the water, he began to run to meet him along the sea surface. But having come to his senses and doubting his faith and the fact that this is possible, he began to sink. Christ saved him, rebuking him for his lack of faith.
After the arrest of Jesus Christ, Peter, fearing for his life, showed weakness and denied his teacher three times. Subsequently, the apostle greatly repented and was forgiven by the Lord.
Peter was one of the most beloved disciples of Christ
Throughout his earthly life, the Apostle Peter preached Christianity, taught the laws of God to people and converted them to faith. After Peter's sermons, thousands of people joined the Christian community. He received the gift of healing the sick and raising the dead.
Peter died a martyr in Rome. He was crucified upside down on the cross - as the apostle of Jesus himself wished, considering himself unworthy to die in the same way as his teacher.
Prayer one
About the supreme Apostle: Peter, the firm representative of the faith of Christ, and Paul, the gossip of the teaching of the Lord! We see you, like a multi-flowing river of the sayings of Christ's words, flowing from the true bowels of God and opening the whole depth of the well of God-revealed truths before us, thirsting for them. We see you, like luminaries, from heaven the currents of warmth of divine love explaining to us: we bless you, who have accepted labors and sweats, in the hedgehog of the teachings of divine seeds: we kiss your feet, flowing around the whole ends of the earth, and in awe of sin we see your heads, humbly bowed to to the most pure feet of the Lord: one by the way of the cross (by hanging) and the other by sword beheading. We tenderly ask you, holy Apostles, create us in a riot of sinful bowing before our Teacher Lord, create the pride of our head with the beheading of the divinely revealed teaching: may the Lord quench our spiritual smoothness with a brush pointed from heaven itself, like Peter: - you, Paul, are God-saturated Christ's words, rush and raise us up to the third heaven with your unceasing prayers for us to the Lord, and there we will glorify with the faces of angels and apostles the wondrous Father of all in our saints and sent Him into the world to save and instruct to eternal life, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit consubstantial with Him. Amen.
Prayer two
About the glorification of the apostles Peter and Paul, who betrayed their souls for Christ and fertilized His pasture with your blood! Hear the children of your prayers and sighs, now offered with a broken heart. Behold, we are overshadowed by lawlessness and for the sake of misfortunes, like clouds, we will be overlaid, barely a good life impoverished and we will not be able to resist a predatory wolf, who boldly strive to plunder the heritage of God. Oh strength! Bear our infirmities, do not be separated from us in spirit, may we not be separated in the end from the love of God, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on all of us, for your prayers, may he destroy the handwriting of our immeasurable sins and may he be blessed with all the saints Kingdom and Marriage of His Lamb, to Him be honor and glory, and thanksgiving and worship, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer three
Holy Supreme Apostle Peter, the stone of faith, on Christ, the cornerstone, in the Church, by confession! Moth, yes, and even az, with smart thoughts and carnal lusts, always wavering, on the same Christ, the Living Stone, the chosen, the honest, by faith I have always been made with love in the spiritual temple, in the holy priesthood, offer spiritual sacrifices to God Jesus Christ. Holy supreme Apostle Paul, chosen vessel of Christ, full of the grace and glory of God! Pray to the Creator who has power over the creature, that I, now a vessel that has been destroyed, will create for Himself a vessel in honor, consecrated and usable, prepared for every good. Amen.
Prayer Four
O Saint Peter, the great apostle, self-seeing and companion of God, by the almighty right hand of your Teacher from the waters of the agitated, accepted and freed from the final drowning! Do not forget us wretched ones (names), mired in the mud of sinfulness and overwhelmed by the waves of the worldly sea: give us your strong hand, help us and keep us from drowning in passions, lusts, lies and slander. Do with us mercy, revealed to you from the Lord, but do not bend in doubt and lack of faith. Teach us, our teacher, to shed tears of repentance, and weep bitterly for our deeds in this world. And if your tears, poured out in repentance, are covered by His mercy, the Lord and your Teacher, ask us, with apostolic boldness, forgiveness in hourly sin. Yes, we will live a quiet and silent life in this age until the hour, in which the Lord, our impartial Judge, will call us for centuries. But you, O all-praised apostle, do not reject our cry and groaning to you, but intercede for us before Christ, your Teacher, let us unceasingly glorify His mercy to us, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer Five
O holy great apostle Peter! Do not reject me, your servant (name) and my groaning to you. Look at me, who is in sickness and sorrow, ask Christ, your Teacher, (the content of the petition), let us unceasingly glorify His mercy to us, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Andrey
Andrew was the first of the 12 apostles who followed Christ - this explains his name - Andrew the First-Called. During the earthly life of Jesus Christ, he followed the teacher everywhere, accompanying him. After Christ was crucified on the cross on the day of Holy Pentecost, like the other apostles, the Holy Spirit descended on Andrew, and he received the gift of healing.
Andrew preached and brought the Christian faith to the people who lived on the Black Sea coast and further north. It was this territory that fell to Andrew after the apostles cast lots, choosing the lands where they would have to acquaint people with the Christian faith.
Andrew was the first of 12 apostles
Just like his Teacher Andrei was martyred, having hung for two days on an oblique cross. But even there he continued to preach, speaking of humility and faith. Since then, such a cross has been called St. Andrew's.
Prayer to the Apostle Andrew the First-Called
First-Called Apostle of God and Savior Jesus Christ, the Supreme Follower of the Church, all-mighty Andrew, we glorify and magnify your apostolic labors, we sweetly remember your blessed coming to us, we bless your honest suffering, even for Christ you suffered, we kiss your sacred relics, we honor the holy memory yours and we believe, as the Lord lives, your soul lives, and with Him you abide forever in Heaven, where you love us with the same love, with which you loved us, when by the Holy Spirit you saw our conversion to Christ, and love not just, but also pray to God for us, in vain in His Light all our needs. This is how we believe and this is how we confess our faith in the temple, even in your name, Saint Andrew, gloriously created, where your holy relics rest; believing, we ask and pray to the Lord and God and our Savior Jesus Christ, that by your prayers, even he will always listen and accept, give us everything we need for the salvation of us sinners; yes, as if you were abie according to the voice of the Lord, leave your nether, you followed him steadily, so that everyone from us does not look for his own, but thinks about the creation of his neighbor and about the high calling. Having thee as an intercessor and intercessor for us, we hope that my prayer can do much before the Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ, He deserves all glory, honor and worship with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
John Zavedeev
This apostle of Christ is known under the name of John the Theologian, whose deeds made a huge contribution to bringing the true religion to people. He followed Christ with his brother, leaving everything he had when Jesus called him to follow him while fishing. The apostle received his name from Christ for mastery of the word and a heightened sense of justice.
John the Theologian was one of the three apostles who witnessed the miracle of the resurrection of a dead young girl, performed by Jesus Christ. Christ instructed him to take care of the Virgin Mary during her lifetime. John the Evangelist preached in Asia Minor.
In sermons he was accompanied by his disciple Prokhor. Just like the other apostles, he was endowed with a special power to perform miracles, which John did during his sermons.
John the Evangelist - the only one of the apostles who died a natural death
John the Evangelist is the only one of the apostles who died a natural death. During the persecution of Christians, they repeatedly tried to subject him to martyrdom, but all attempts were unsuccessful: each time the apostle remained alive. Even while in exile on an island in the Aegean, he continued to preach and convert large numbers of people to the faith.
The apostle died at the end of the 1st century. He is the only one among the apostles who lived for a long time on earth and was a living witness of Christ. The distant apostles died much earlier.
Prayer one
O great apostle, loud-voiced evangelist, most graceful theologian,
seer of inexpressible revelations, virgin and beloved confidante of Christ John!Receive us, sinners, who come running under your strong intercession.
Ask the All-Generous Lover of Man Christ our God,
Even before your eyes, He poured out His Blood for us, His indecent servants,
May He not remember our iniquities, but may He have mercy on us and deal with us according to His mercy:
at the end of our temporary life from merciless torturers in air ordeals
may he deliver us, and so may we reach, by you leading and covering, the Mountainous Jerusalem,
You have seen his glory in revelation, now you enjoy endless joys.Oh great John!
Save all the cities and countries of Christianity, this temple, those who serve and pray in it, from gladness,
destruction, cowardly and flood, fire and sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare;
deliver us from all misfortune and misfortune, and with your prayers turn away the righteous wrath of God from us,
and ask His mercy for us, so that together with you we will be able to glorify in the non-evening days
the most holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer two
O great and all-praised apostle and evangelist John the Theologian, confidante of Christ,
our warm intercessor and quick helper in sorrow!Beg the Lord God to grant us the remission of all our sins,
Elika has sinned from our youth in all our life
deed, word, thought and all our feelings;
at the end of our souls, help us sinners (names), get rid of air trials
and eternal torment, but with your gracious intercession we glorify
Father and Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer three
O great and incomprehensible God!
Behold, we offer you St. John for supplication, whom you vouchsafed unspeakable revelations, accept intercession for us, grant us the fulfillment of our petitions to your glory,
moreover, complete us with spiritual perfection for enjoyment,
endless lives in Your heavenly abodes!O Heavenly Father, who created the whole Lord, the Almighty King!
Touch the grace of our hearts, yes, melted like wax, the mortal creature will be shed before You
the spiritual will be created for Your honor and glory, and Your Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Philip
Even before the arrival of Jesus, Phillip was a deeply religious person and was waiting for the coming of the Messiah. Having met Christ, who called him for Himself, the apostle followed him without hesitation, becoming one of the 12 followers of Jesus and adding to the list of names of people whose deeds entered into eternity.
When Phillip at one of the suppers asked Jesus to show them His Father, the Lord was surprised that, having spent so much time with Him, Phillip still does not know Him.
Apostle Philip
After the execution of Christ, Phillip preached in the northern territories of Asia Minor. He was endowed with the ability to heal people from various diseases, which he repeatedly demonstrated during his preaching work.
Phillip died crucified on the cross. He and another apostle were sentenced to death by the pagans. During his execution, a miracle happened that made many people believe in Christ. On the cross, Phillip prayed fervently, and suddenly an earthquake struck. Seeing the miracle that happened before their eyes, people believed in Christ and demanded the release of those crucified on the cross. When Phillip was taken down from the cross, he was already dead.
Prayer one
Oh, glorious Apostle Philip, who betrayed his soul for Christ and fertilized His pasture with your blood! Hear your children prayers and sighs, now offered by a broken heart. Behold, we are overshadowed by lawlessness, and for the sake of misfortunes, like clouds, we will be overlaid, barely a good life, impoverished very much, and we will not be able to resist the predatory wolf, which they boldly strive to plunder the heritage of God. Oh strong! Bear our infirmities, do not leave us in spirit, may we not be separated from the love of God in the end, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on all of us for your prayers, may he destroy the handwriting of our immeasurable sins, and may he be blessed with all the Saints Kingdom and marriage of His Lamb, to Him be honor and glory, and thanksgiving and worship, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer two
O holy Apostle of Christ Phillip! We pray to you: save and keep us with your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin and ask us, the servants of God (names), from above for help in times of despondency, so that we do not stumble on the stone of temptation, but we steadily walk the saving path of the commandments of Christ, until we reach these blessed heavenly abodes. Hey, Apostle of the Savior! Do not disgrace us, but be our helper and patron in all our lives and help us piously and God-pleasingly end this temporary life, receive a Christian death and be worthy of a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; let us glorify the glorious name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Bartholomew
Bartholomew is one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ who left his father's house and went to bring Christianity to the masses. The Apostle Phillip brought him to Jesus. Bartholomew, having learned that Christ was from Nazareth, at first treated Him with distrust. But when Jesus told Bartholomew that he had seen him even before they met in person, the apostle believed that the Son of God was before him.
After the death of Christ, Bartholomew preached in Syria and Asia Minor together with the Apostle Phillip. It was he who was lucky to stay alive after he and the Apostle Phillip were crucified on the cross.
Apostle Bartholomew
But the fear of being subjected to cruel torture again did not stop him, and he continued to preach further. Bartholomew followed to India, where he converted many pagans to Christ. Then he visited the lands of Greater Armenia, where he healed the daughter of the local king from demonic possession.
In gratitude, the king and his entire family converted to Christianity. But despite the numerous miracles that Bartholomew worked and the power of his preaching, the resistance of the pagans was strong enough, many did not want to heed the words of the apostles and saw them only as enemies encroaching on the existing religion.
The brother of the king, whose daughter was saved by Bartholomew, did not like what the apostle was doing. By his order, Bartholomew was captured and his fate was repeated: he was again crucified on the cross. But even there he continued to carry the good news and glorify the Lord.
The enraged brother of the king then ordered, in addition to everything, to tear off the skin from Bartholomew and cut off his head. This event took place in the modern territory of Baku. Believers buried his remains in a tin shrine. The relics of the saint were transported from one place to another more than once. But not only were they not lost, despite various situations threatening the loss of the remains of the apostle, but they also showed multiple miracles. Thus, myrrh flowed from the relics of the apostle, with the help of which people were healed from many diseases.
O glorious Apostle of Christ Bartholomew, who betrayed his soul for Christ and fertilized His pasture with your blood! Hear your children prayers and sighs, now offered with a broken heart. Behold, we are overshadowed by lawlessness, and for the sake of misfortunes, like clouds, we will be overlaid, but the oil of a good life is very impoverished, and we will not be able to resist a predatory wolf, which they boldly strive to plunder the heritage of God.
Oh strong! Bear our infirmities, do not leave us in spirit, let us not part in the end from the love of God, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on all of us for your prayers, may he destroy the handwriting of our immeasurable sins, and may he be blessed with all the saints Kingdom and marriage of His Lamb, to Him be honor and glory, and thanksgiving and worship forever and ever. Amen.
Jacob Zavedeev
James is the brother of John the Theologian. He was also called by the Lord to bring the gospel to the masses. James was among those apostles (Peter and John) who witnessed the miracles performed by Christ on Mount Tabor and the Garden of Gethsemane, as well as when Jesus resurrected the daughter of Jairus.
After the Holy Spirit came upon him, he preached in Spain and other countries. Then Jacob returned to Jerusalem again. Unable to resist the word of the apostle's preaching, ardent opponents of Christianity asked the philosopher Hermogenes to enter into a dispute with James and refute his teaching about Christ.
Jacob Zavedeev
Hermogenes sent his disciple to the apostle. But he was unable to resist the truthful, sincere words of Jacob and converted to Christianity. Moreover, Hermogenes himself soon also adopted the Christian faith.
But the pagans did not give up, and King Herod became a new tool for them in the fight against the sermons of the apostle. It was he who condemned Jacob Zevedeev to death, which the apostle accepted with calmness and with sincere faith in Christ. The apostle was beheaded in 44 AD.
O great and beloved Apostle of Christ, James!
Receive us, sinners, who come running under your strong intercession.
Ask the All-Generous Lover of Man, Christ our God, and
but before your eyes, His blood for us, His indecent servants,
thou hast poured out, lest he remember our iniquities,
but may He have mercy on us and deal with us according to His mercy:
grant us health of soul and body, all prosperity and abundance,
instructing us to convert it to the glory of Him, the Creator, Savior and our God,
after the end of our temporary life from merciless torturers
on air ordeals, may he deliver us, and may we reach tacos,
by you leading and covering, Jerusalem on the mountain. O great Jacob!
Save all the cities and countries of Christianity, this temple,
serving and praying in it, from famine, destruction, a coward and a flood,
fire and sword, foreign invasions and internecine warfare;
deliver us from all trouble and misfortune and with your prayers
turn away the righteous wrath of God from us, and ask for His mercy to us,
yes, together with you, we will be able to glorify in the non-evening days
Most Holy Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Amen.
Thomas
Unlike his fellow apostles, no one called Thomas. He was the first to hear the sermons of Christ and followed him. Jesus, seeing his sincere and devoted faith, called Thomas to follow Him everywhere. So Thomas became one of the 12 apostles.
The well-known expression "Unbelieving Thomas" is directly related to the name of one of the 12 apostles. Thomas did not believe in the resurrection of Christ. Only after Jesus appeared to the apostles on the 8th day after his death, Thomas believed in the miracle of the resurrection, exclaiming "My Lord."
Apostle Thomas
After the death of Christ, Thomas preached in India and was martyred: his body was pierced with five stakes.
Oh, holy apostle Fomo! We pray to you: save and keep us with your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin, and ask us, the servants of God (names), from above for help in times of unbelief, let us not stumble on the stone of temptation, but steadily walk the saving path of the commandments of Christ, until we reach them blessed abodes of paradise. Hey, Apostle of the Savior! Do not disgrace us, but be our helper and patron in all our lives and help us piously and God-pleasingly end this temporary life, receive a Christian death and be worthy of a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; let us glorify the magnificent name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Matthew
Before meeting Jesus, Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Christ, was a tax collector. He left his earthly business and followed Jesus, listening to his preaching. After the death of Christ, he preached in Palestine.
Before leaving Jerusalem, Matthew wrote the Gospel. He ended his earthly life in Ethiopia, where he converted several idolaters to the Faith and built a temple.
The ruler of Ethiopia, who was an opponent of Matthew's sermons, ordered the execution of the apostle and burnt him at the stake. But when Matthew was set on fire, the flame did not harm him. Then the king repented and began to ask the saint for mercy. Through the prayer of Matthew, the fire went out and the apostle departed to another world. Subsequently, the Ethiopian king adopted the Christian faith.
Oh, glorious Apostle Matthew, who betrayed his soul for Christ and fertilized His pasture with your blood! Hear your children prayers and sighs, now offered with a broken heart. Behold, we are overshadowed by lawlessness, and for the sake of misfortunes, like clouds, we will be overlaid, barely a good life, impoverished very much, and we will not be able to resist the predatory wolf, which they boldly strive to plunder the heritage of God.
Oh strong! Bear our infirmities, do not leave us in spirit, may we not part the end from the love of God, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on all of us for your prayers, may he destroy the handwriting of our immeasurable sins, and may he be blessed with all the Saints Kingdom and marriage of His Lamb, to Him be honor and glory, and thanksgiving and worship, forever and ever. Amen
Jacob Alfeev
He was one of the 12 apostles of Christ and was the brother of the apostle Matthew. He preached, after the descent of the Holy Spirit on him, together with Andrew the First-Called, and then independently in the territory of South Palestine. There are several versions of his martyrdom. According to one of them, he was stoned to death, according to another, he was crucified on a cross.
Troparion to the Apostle James Alfeev
Holy Apostle James, / pray to the Merciful God, / yes, forgiveness of sins / / will give to our souls.
Translation: Apostle Saint James, pray to the Merciful God, that forgiveness of sins will give our souls.
Kontakion to Apostle James Alfeev
Having firmly planted the wisdom of dogma in the souls of the pious / with praises, let us appease like the God-preacher of all Jacob: / For the Throne of the glory of the Master is standing / and with all the Angels rejoices, / / praying unceasingly for all of us.
Jacob Alfeev
Translation: He who has firmly planted the wisdom of dogma in the souls of the pious, with praises we will glorify all of Jacob as the preacher of God, for standing before the throne of glory of the Lord, he rejoices with all the angels, praying unceasingly for all of us.
Simon the Zealot
It was in the house of the Apostle Simon that Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine, which increased exactly as much as there were guests. Amazed, Simon believed in Jesus and followed him, becoming one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, the list of names of which is always remembered by the Christian church. He preached in Egypt, Judea, Libya. He was crucified on a cross in Abkhazia.
Simon Zolt
Kontakion, voice 2:
We know the wisdom of the teachings in the souls of the pious who have been laid down in praise, we will appease, like the God-speaking Simon: the Throne of Glory now stands and rejoices with the Incorporeal, praying unceasingly for all of us.
Holy glorious and all-praiseable Apostle of Christ Simone, worthy to receive into your house in Cana of Galilee our Lord Jesus Christ and His Most Pure Mother, Our Lady Theotokos, and to be an eyewitness to the glorious miracle of Christ, manifested on your brother, turning water into wine! We pray to you with faith and love: implore Christ the Lord to transform our souls from sin-loving into God-loving; save and keep us with your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin and ask us from above for help during our despondency and helplessness, let us not stumble on the stone of temptation, but steadily walk the saving path of the commandments of Christ, until we reach the abodes of paradise, where you are now settling down and having fun . Hey, Apostle of the Savior! Do not disgrace us, strong hope in you, but be our helper and patron in all our lives and help us to piously and godly life this temporary end, to receive a good and peaceful Christian death and to be honored with a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ, but avoid the ordeals of the air and the power of a fierce world ruler, we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and glorify the magnificent Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Judas Iscariot
The name of one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ Judas was remembered by Christians forever and became negative. He held the position of treasurer in the community, following the receipt and expenditure from the box in which the sacrifices were placed. Judas betrayed Jesus Christ, pointing to him to the high priests, for a fee of 30 pieces of silver. There are several versions of his death.
According to the first source, Judas after the betrayal hanged himself on an aspen. According to the second version, he died in extreme old age from an illness. After the ascension of Christ, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas.
Judas Thaddeus
This name was borne by one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. Judas Thaddeus, also known as Leve, was the brother of Jacob Alfeev. Judas Thaddeus at the Last Supper asked Jesus about the coming resurrection. He preached in the territory:
- Palestine;
- Arabia;
- Mesopathamia;
- Syria.
Judas Thaddeus
He died in the 2nd half of the 1st century AD. e. martyrdom in Armenia. Presumably, the tomb of the apostle is located on the territory of the Armenian monastery, located in modern Iran.
O Saint Jude - Thaddeus, who was worthy to belong to the family of the Savior, the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, I resort to You through the sacred Heart of Jesus, I want to bring glory to God for the caresses given to You. Falling on my knees, I ask You humbly through the sacred Heart of Jesus, look at me mercifully, do not despise my humble request so that trust is not shaken. God gave you affection that you come to people with help in hopeless circumstances. Oh, come to me with help, so that I can (could) magnify God's mercy forever and ever. Amen.
Veneration of the apostles
In the Orthodox Church, for each of the names of the apostles, with the exception of Judas Iscariot, a memorial day is set. There is also a day when the memory of all 12 apostles of Jesus Christ is honored. To venerate the saints, there is an icon of 12 apostles.
