Saint Peter

Saint Peter was born in Bethsaida as Simon, son of Jonah, a Jewish fisherman who worked the waters of Galilee alongside his brother Andrew. Drawn to Jesus at the beginning of His ministry, Simon left his nets to become a “fisher of men.” The Lord gave him a new name—Cephas, or Peter, meaning “rock”—and Peter’s life would be marked by both ardent faith and human frailty: stepping out onto the sea at Jesus’ word, yet sinking when fear overtook him; resisting the washing of his feet at the Last Supper, then surrendering with wholehearted love. In the Gospels and Acts he stands among the foremost of the Twelve, confessing Jesus as the Christ and serving as a leading shepherd in the early Church. Catholic and Orthodox tradition honor him as the first bishop of Rome and also of Antioch, a foundational witness whose preaching strengthened the newborn Christian community. Tradition holds that he sealed his discipleship with martyrdom, crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero. Saint Peter is venerated as a patron of many places, including Ademuz and Affi. His feast day is June 29.