Saint Jude
Apostle
June 19
Spiritual Significance
Saint Jude Thaddeus was one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ and a relative of the Lord according to the flesh. In the Scriptures he is sometimes called Jude, the brother of James.
After the Resurrection of Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Saint Jude travelled to many places preaching the Gospel and teaching people about Jesus Christ.
According to Church tradition, he preached in regions such as Mesopotamia, Syria, and Persia, helping to establish Christian communities in those lands.
Saint Jude also wrote the Epistle of Jude, a short letter in the New Testament that encourages Christians to remain faithful to the true teaching of Christ.
He suffered martyrdom for the Gospel and is honoured by the Church as one of the faithful Apostles who carried the message of Christ to the world.
Iconography
In icons, Saint Jude Thaddeus is shown as a young or middle-aged apostle with a beard and calm expression.
He often holds a scroll or book, representing the Epistle of Jude and his preaching of the Gospel.
Saint Jude is sometimes shown making a gesture of blessing, reminding us that the Apostles were sent by Christ to teach and guide the Church.
His clothing is similar to that of the other Apostles, showing that he was one of the chosen disciples who followed Christ and later travelled to spread the Good News.
Did You Know?
Saint Jude is sometimes called Thaddeus to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Christ.
The Epistle of Jude in the New Testament is attributed to him and encourages Christians to remain faithful and steadfast in their faith.