Saint · 1st C
James the son of Alphæus
Holy Apostle James the son of Alphæus (1st C)
New Calendar October 9 Old Calendar October 22
Why they are a saint
Holy Apostle James the son of Alphæus (1st C) is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on October 9. Venerated as an apostle who preached the Gospel of Christ; little else about his life has come down to us.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take James the son of Alphæus as a patron when they bear the name Apostle at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on October 9. As an apostle, he is also asked to pray for missionaries and those who spread the Gospel.
Prayer
O holy James the son of Alphæus, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.