Saint · 1st C
James the son of Alphæus
Holy Apostle James the son of Alphæus (1st C)
New Calendar October 9 Old Calendar October 22
Why they are a saint
Holy Apostle James the son of Alphæus (1st C) is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on October 9. Venerated as an apostle who preached the Gospel of Christ; little else about his life has come down to us.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Life
Saint James, son of Alphaeus, one of the Twelve Apostles, was the brother of the Evangelist Matthew. He heard the Lord's words and witnessed His miracles.
After Pentecost he travelled with the Apostle Andrew, preaching in Judea, Edessa, Gaza and Eleutheropolis, healing the sick and bringing many to salvation. He finished his apostolic work in the Egyptian city of Ostrachina, where he was crucified by the pagans.
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 son of Alphæus as a patron when they bear the name Apostle at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 9. As an apostle, he is also asked to pray for missionaries and those who spread the Gospel.
Prayer
O holy James the son of Alphæus, 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.