Apostle · 1st century
Jude
Apostle Jude, the Brother of the Lord
New Calendar June 19 Old Calendar July 2
Why they are a saint
Jude was one of the Twelve, also called Thaddaeus; author of the Epistle of Jude. Tradition: preached in Mesopotamia and Persia. The years given for this life are 1st century. The Church commemorates him with the apostolic company that first carried the Gospel.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Jude as a patron when they bear the name Jude at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on June 19. Those who share his calling as a missionary also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy Jude, 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.