St. Simon the Zealot
| Feast Day | October 28 |
|---|---|
| Patronage |
|
| Place of Birth | Galilee, Israel/Palestine |
| Place of Death | Persia (modern-day Iran) or possibly in Georgia or Beirut |
| Canonization Date | N/A |
Biography
Saint Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles. The title “Zealot” suggests that he was either part of the Jewish revolutionary movement called the Zealots, or it could indicate his zealous nature in following Christ. Little is recorded about his life in the Bible, but tradition holds that he preached the Gospel in Egypt, Persia, and possibly Britain or Armenia, where he faced martyrdom.
Miracles & Important Events
- Evangelization in Foreign Lands: Tradition holds that he preached in Persia, Egypt, and Mesopotamia.
- Martyrdom: He was reportedly martyred by being sawn in half, though some accounts suggest crucifixion.
- Preaching with Saint Jude Thaddeus: Some traditions state that he spread Christianity alongside Saint Jude in Persia.
Associated Symbols
- Saw – A common symbol due to a tradition that he was martyred by being sawed in half
- Book or Scroll – Representing his missionary work and preaching
- Fish – As a symbol of Christian evangelization
- Boat – Symbolizing his travels as a missionary
Quotes & Writings
There are no recorded words of Saint Simon in the Bible, but he is mentioned in the lists of the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13).