Bartholomew the Apostle

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, whose birthplace and early life are not known, was chosen by Jesus as one of the Twelve. Many Christians have long identified him with Nathanael in the Gospel of John, the sincere seeker who was brought to Christ and confessed Him as the Son of God. After the Lord’s Ascension, Bartholomew is remembered as a fearless missionary, carrying the Gospel far beyond the Holy Land. Ancient tradition says he preached in the East—often naming India, and also regions such as Mesopotamia and Parthia—and later journeyed to Greater Armenia, where he is honored alongside Saint Jude Thaddeus as a founder of the Armenian Church. His witness was sealed by martyrdom, with traditions describing severe torture and death for the sake of those he converted. Because of his enduring devotion, he is invoked as patron of Armenia and of those who work with leather and books, and he is also prayed to in nervous diseases. His feast day is August 24.