Saints Peter and Paul
Apostles and Martyr
June 29
Spiritual Significance
Saints Peter and Paul are two of the greatest Apostles of Christ and are honoured together by the Orthodox Church.
Saint Peter was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. A fisherman by trade, he became a leader among the Apostles and boldly proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God. After the Resurrection of Christ, Peter helped guide the early Church and preached the Gospel to many people.
Saint Paul was first known as Saul and at first persecuted Christians. After a powerful encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, his life was completely changed. He became one of the greatest missionaries of the Church, travelling widely to preach the Gospel and writing many letters that are now part of the New Testament.
Though they had very different journeys, both Apostles dedicated their lives to spreading the message of Christ. They eventually suffered martyrdom in Rome, remaining faithful to Christ until the end.
The Church honours Saints Peter and Paul together as great teachers and witnesses of the Christian faith.
Iconography
In icons, Saints Peter and Paul are often shown standing together, representing the unity of the Apostles and the Church.
Saint Peter is usually shown with short grey hair and a rounded beard, often holding keys or a scroll, symbolising his role as a leader among the Apostles and his preaching of the Gospel.
Saint Paul is usually shown with a high forehead and dark beard, often holding a book or scroll, representing his epistles and his teaching of the faith.
In some icons, like this one, the two saints hold a church building together. This symbolises how their preaching and missionary work helped establish and strengthen the Christian Church throughout the world.
Did You Know?
Before becoming the Apostle Paul, Saint Paul persecuted Christians. After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, he became one of the greatest missionaries of the early Church.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul are honoured together on 29 June, and the Orthodox Church prepares for this feast with the Apostles’ Fast, which begins after Pentecost.