12 Apostles

Icon Symbols

Symbolized by the eagle

Acts 3:1, John 21:1-14

Symbolized by the living creature that has a face like a man

Symbolizing them preaching the gospel to the nations

St. Peter

St. Peter and St. Andrew were brothers who were fishermen and were called by the Lord Christ to follow Him (Matthew 4:18-20)
He witnessed Christ's ministry closely and had significant encounters with Him
He preached in Palestine, Phoenicia, Asia Minor, Antioch and other cities
He was martyred in Rome by being crucified upside down

St. Andrew

St. Andrew was a disciple of St. John the Baptist and the first called disciple (John 1:35-42)
After Pentecost, he preached the Gospel in Syria, Asia Minor, and Greece
He was martyred and crucified on an X-shaped cross.

St. James son of Zebedee

St. James was the brother of St. John the beloved (also referred to as St. James the Elder).
The Lord Christ called him and St. John for the ministry (Mark 1:19-20)
He preached the Gospel in Judea and Samaria
King Herod beheaded him making him the first martyred apostle (Acts 12:1-2)

St. John son of Zebedee

St. John was the disciple that the Lord loved and he was the one to follow the Lord Christ to the Cross. Jesus entrusted him to have St. Mary live in his house until her departure. (John 19:25-27)
His Gospel is known for being the more theological Gospel. He also wrote 3 epistles and the book of Revelation
He preached in Jerusalem, Judea, Asia minor and Smyrna

St. Philip

St. Phillip grew up studying the Holy Books and therefore accepted the call to follow Christ
Philip found Nathanael and brought him to Jesus (John 1:45-46)
He ministered in Jerusalem and Asia Minor
The priests of idols crucified him resulting in his martyrdom

St. Bartholomew

St. Bartholomew is also Nathanael whom St. Philip brought to the Lord Christ
St. Bartholomew followed the Lord during his ministry and witnessed the Lord after his resurrection and was present on the day of Pentecost
He brought Christianity to Armenia. He is considered the intercessor of the Armenian church
He was flayed to death by a whip and received the crown of martyrdom.

St. James son of Alphaeus

St. James, known as the brother of the Lord and St. James the Less, was appointed bishop of Jerusalem by the apostles and authored the Epistle of James in the New Testament
He was thrown from the pinnacle of the temple and recieved the crown of martyrdom

St. SIMON THE ZEALOT

St. Simon was a member of the Zealotes movement before being called by Christ (Luke 6:15)
At his wedding in Cana of Galilee, the Lord turned water into wine
He preached in North Africa, Spain, and the British Isles, then joined St. Jude (Thaddeus) in Syria, Iraq, and Persia

ST. THOMAS

St. Thomas doubted the Lord Christ after His resurrection, seeking physical proof (John 20:24-29)
He preached across Palestine, Iraq, Arabia, Persia, and India, becoming the intercessor for the Indian Church.
During the Virgin Mary’s assumption, he received her girdle.
He was stabbed by pagan priests, receiving the crown of martyrdom

ST. matthew

St. Matthew (originally Levi) was a tax collector but Christ called him to the ministry and he left everything. (Mark 2:13-17)
He wrote his Gospel to declare to the Jews that Christ was the awaited Saviour. His Gospel is symbolized by the face of a man.
He preached in Yemen, the southern region of the Arabian peninsula, and Ethiopia
He was beat severely until he died and recieved the crown of martyrdom

ST. Thaddeus

St. Thaddeus (also known as Judas the son of James or Jude) was the brother of St. James the less
He met St. Simon the Canaanite in Persia and they preached together
He wrote the epistle of Jude in the New Testament

ST. Matthias

St. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot by the apostles (Acts 1:15-26).
He preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria and Cappadocia
He was arrested in the city of Bartus and freed through the intercessions of St. Mary
He was stoned in Jerusalem and received the crown of martyrdom