St. Bartholomew
| Feast Day | August 24 |
|---|---|
| Patronage |
|
| Place of Birth | Cana, Galilee (modern-day Israel) |
| Place of Death | Armenia (modern-day Turkey) |
| Canonization Date | N/A |
Biography
St. Bartholomew is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Little is known about his life, but his name appears in the synoptic Gospels as one of the twelve who followed Jesus. Some traditions link him to Nathanael, another of the twelve apostles, with Bartholomew being the surname of Nathanael (meaning “son of Tolmai”). His name means “son of the furrows” in Hebrew, which could refer to his family’s background as farmers.
Bartholomew is said to have preached the Gospel in various regions, including India, Armenia, and parts of the Middle East. His missionary work is credited with spreading Christianity to Armenia, where he is believed to have been martyred by being flayed alive and then beheaded, an act that has become symbolic in his iconography. His courage and unwavering faith made him a symbol of endurance and strength in the face of persecution.
Miracles & Important Events
- Miracles of Healing: According to some traditions, Bartholomew was known for performing miracles, including healings of the sick, and even casting out demons during his missionary journeys.
- Preaching in Armenia: St. Bartholomew is credited with spreading Christianity to Armenia, where he is venerated as the founder of the Armenian Church.
- His Martyrdom: The most significant event in his life was his martyrdom. Tradition holds that he was flayed alive by pagan priests in Armenia, making his death one of the most brutal martyrdoms in Christian history. After being flayed, he was beheaded, and his body was later buried in the Church of St. Bartholomew in Rome.
Associated Symbols
- A flaying knife (representing his martyrdom, as he was flayed alive)
- A book (signifying his role in spreading the Gospel)
- A scourge or whip (sometimes associated with his missionary work and suffering)
- A small lamb (symbolizing his connection to Christ as a “shepherd” of souls)
Quotes & Writings
- While there are no direct writings attributed to St. Bartholomew, he is mentioned in the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. The following passage from John 1:47-51 refers to his initial encounter with Jesus:
- John 1:47-51: “Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael said to him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ Nathanael answered him, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!'”
- Additionally, the Gospel of Matthew (10:3) and the other synoptic Gospels list him among the twelve apostles.