The Holy Apostle James the Son of Zebedee, Brother of John the Theologian (44)

The holy Apostle James the son of Zebedee († 44) was one of the twelve apostles and was called by Christ together with his brother, the Apostle John the Theologian.

After the descent of the Holy Spirit, Saint James preached in Spain and in other lands, and then returned to Jerusalem. The apostle preached Jesus Christ as the Saviour, rebuked the Pharisees and scribes with the words of Holy Scripture, and reproached them for their indifference and unbelief. The Jews had no strength to withstand the apostle’s words, and bribed with money the philosopher and sorcerer Hermogenes to challenge Saint James to a debate and overthrow his teaching about Christ as the promised Messiah. The sorcerer sent his disciple Philip to the holy apostle, but Philip came to believe in Christ. Then Hermogenes himself was convinced of the almighty power of God; he burned his books of sorcery, received baptism and became a true follower of Christ.

The unbelieving Jews persuaded Herod Agrippa (40–44) to arrest the Apostle James and put him to death. Saint James heard the sentence of death calmly and went on preaching the law of Christ. One of his accusers, named Josias, was amazed at the apostle’s courage and came to believe in the incarnation of Christ the Messiah. When Saint James was led away to execution, Josias fell at the apostle’s feet, repented of his sin and asked forgiveness. Saint James embraced the confessor, kissed him and said: “Peace be to you, and forgiveness.” Josias publicly confessed Christ and suffered martyrdom together with Saint James in Jerusalem in the year 44.