Church celebrates the Feast of 12 Apostles

The icon of the 12 Apostles. Photo: open sources

On July 13, 2025 (June 30 according to the Julian calendar), the Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast of the Twelve Apostles. This feast is dedicated to the disciples of Jesus Christ, who became the first preachers of the Christian doctrine.

The twelve apostles – Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John the Theologian, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Jude the son of James, and Matthias (chosen instead of Judas Iscariot) – were chosen by Christ to spread the Gospel throughout the world. All of them, except John the Theologian, suffered martyrdom.

Peter – preached in Rome, crucified upside down at his own request.

Andrew – brought the Good News to Scythia and Greece, crucified on a diagonal cross in Patras.

James the son of Zebedee – preached in Jerusalem, beheaded by the order of Herod Agrippa.

John the Theologian – served in Asia Minor, died a natural death in Ephesus.

Philip – preached in Scythia and Phrygia, crucified in Hierapolis.

Bartholomew – brought the faith to India and Armenia, suffered martyrdom by being flayed.

Matthew – preached in Ethiopia, killed by the sword.

Thomas – served in India, pierced with a spear.

James the son of Alphaeus – preached in Jerusalem, thrown from the temple's pinnacle and stoned.

Simon the Zealot – brought the faith to Egypt and Britain, crucified.

Jude the son of James – preached in Mesopotamia, killed with a club.

Matthias – served in Ethiopia, stoned and beheaded.

The commemoration of the 12 Apostles reminds believers of the importance of apostolic service and calls for following the example of Christ's first disciples in preaching and testifying to the Christian faith.

As reported, on July 12 (June 29 according to the Julian calendar), the Church celebrated the memory of the Apostles Peter and Paul.

Read also