Apostle · 1st century
Bartholomew
Apostle Bartholomew of the Twelve
New Calendar June 11 Old Calendar June 24
Why they are a saint
Bartholomew was one of the Twelve; traditionally identified with Nathanael. He preached in Armenia and elsewhere and was martyred. The years given for this life are 1st century. The Church commemorates him with the apostolic company that first carried the Gospel.
Life
Saint Bartholomew was born at Cana of Galilee and was one of the Twelve Apostles. Saints John Chrysostom, Cyril of Alexandria and others identify him with Nathanael. After Pentecost he preached in Syria and Asia Minor with the Apostle Philip and Philip's sister Mariamne, enduring stoning and imprisonment. At Hierapolis, Philip was crucified, while Bartholomew was taken down from his cross alive and made the healed Stachys bishop of the city.
He then went to India, where he translated the Gospel of Matthew into the local language, and to Greater Armenia, where he healed the daughter of King Polymios, who was baptized with his household. Through the intrigues of pagan priests he was seized by the king's brother Astiagus in the city of Alban (now Baku), crucified upside down, flayed, and beheaded.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for armenia (with Gregory the Enlightener). The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Bartholomew, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.