Apostle · 1st century
James the Brother of the Lord
Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord
New Calendar October 23 Old Calendar November 5
Why they are a saint
James the Brother of the Lord was kinsman of the Lord, first bishop of Jerusalem, author of the Epistle of James; thrown from the Temple and beaten to death. The years given for this life are 1st century. His name is kept with the apostles of the Twelve or of the Seventy.
Life
Saint James, called the Brother of the Lord (Adelphotheos), was, according to Tradition, a son of Righteous Joseph by his first wife. He believed in Christ when the Saviour began to preach, became His Apostle, and was later chosen as the first Bishop of Jerusalem. He presided over the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15).
In thirty years as bishop he converted many Jews. The Pharisees and scribes set him on the pinnacle of the Temple and asked what he thought of Jesus; when he bore witness that Christ is the Messiah, they threw him down and stoned him as he prayed for them. He was martyred about the year 63.
He composed a Divine Liturgy, which formed the basis of the Liturgies of Saints Basil and John Chrysostom, and the Church keeps his Epistle in the New Testament. He is also commemorated on the Sunday after the Nativity with King David and Joseph the Betrothed.
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
Orthodox Christians usually take James the Brother of the Lord as a patron when they bear the name James at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 23. Those who share his calling as a missionary also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy James the Brother of the Lord, 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.