The Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ
The Twelve Apostles were chosen by Christ to be His closest disciples, witnesses of His ministry, and the foundation of the Church. Each apostle has a distinct story, mission, and legacy, reflected in their lives, ministries, symbols, and feast days.
1. Saint Peter
Also Known As: Simon, renamed “Cephas” (Kepha) by Jesus.
Ministry: Peter preached extensively in Antioch, Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia Minor, and ultimately in Rome, where he became the first Pope.
Martyrdom: He was crucified upside-down in Rome, out of humility, not feeling worthy to die as his Lord did.
Relics: Preserved at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
Symbols: Keys (representing the keys to Heaven), upside-down cross, book.
Feast Days: June 29 (with St. Paul), August 1 (St. Peter’s Chains).
2. Saint Andrew
Relationship: Brother of Saint Peter.
Ministry: Evangelized widely across Scythia, Epirus, Achaia, Hellas, Cappadocia, Galatia, Bithynia, Byzantium, Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly, and the Scythian deserts.
Martyrdom: Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patrae, Achaia.
Relics: Located at the Cathedral of Amalfi, Italy.
Symbols: X-shaped cross, anchor, fish, fishing net.
Feast Day: November 30.
3. Saint James the Greater
Also Known As: Son of Zebedee; brother of John; one of the “Sons of Thunder” (Boanerges).
Ministry: Tradition holds he preached in Spain and the Holy Land.
Martyrdom: Beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem, around 44 AD.
Relics: Preserved at Santiago de Compostela, Spain, the destination of the famous pilgrimage, the Way of St. James.
Symbols: Scallop shell, pilgrim’s staff, book or scroll, floppy hat, depiction trampling a Moor, mounted on horseback.
Feast Day: July 25.
4. Saint John
Also Known As: Son of Zebedee; the “Beloved Disciple.”
Ministry: Preached extensively in Asia Minor, particularly Ephesus.
Symbols: Chalice, eagle, serpent, sword, cauldron.
Feast Day: December 27.
5. Saint Philip
Ministry: Preached primarily in Hierapolis, Asia Minor.
Relics: Housed in the Church of the Dodici Apostoli, Rome, Italy.
Symbols: Basket of loaves, T-shaped cross.
Feast Day: May 11 (shared with St. James the Less).
6. Saint Bartholomew
Also Known As: Nathanael.
Ministry: Evangelized in India, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, Armenia, Lycaonia, Phrygia, and the shores of the Black Sea.
Martyrdom: Beheaded or flayed alive, sometimes depicted crucified head downward in Albanopolis, Armenia.
Relics: Kept at St. Bartholomew-on-the-Island, Rome, Italy.
Symbols: Tanner’s knife, flayed skin.
Feast Day: August 24.
7. Saint Matthew
Also Known As: Levi, the Evangelist.
Ministry: Preached in Ethiopia, Persia (Parthia), Macedonia, Syria, and among the Hebrews.
Symbols: Angel or man with pen/inkwell, money bag, purse, spear, sword, halberd, or lance.
Feast Day: September 21.
8. Saint Thomas
Also Known As: Didymus (“Twin”), famously called “Doubting Thomas.”
Ministry: Evangelized in India and martyred there by spears at Mazdai.
Symbols: T-square, spear.
Feast Day: December 21.
9. Saint James the Less
Also Known As: James the Just or James the Younger; son of Alphaeus (Clophas).
Ministry: Bishop of the Jerusalem Church; authored epistles.
Martyrdom: Killed by being thrown from the Temple and clubbed to death by the Jews.
Symbols: Fuller’s club, book, windmill.
Feast Day: May 11 (with St. Philip).
10. Saint Jude
Also Known As: Thaddaeus, brother of James the Less, epistle writer.
Symbols: Medallion of Christ, flame above his head, oar, boat, axe, book, pen.
Feast Day: October 28 (with St. Simon).
11. Saint Simon
Also Known As: Simon the Zealot or Simon the Canaanite.
Symbols: Fish, saw, lance, depiction of a man being sawn in two longitudinally.
Feast Day: October 28 (with St. Jude).
12. Saint Matthias
Role: Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot following Judas’ betrayal and death.
Symbols: Axe, lance, open book.
Feast Day: February 24.
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