St Jude (Iudas) of Thaddaeus

Commemorated on June 19

Saint Jude was one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ. He is called the “Brother of the Lord” because he was a son of Righteous Joseph, the Betrothed of the Theotokos, from a previous marriage. In humility, however, he does not call himself the Lord’s brother in his Epistle, but simply “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James.”

Before coming to faith, Jude—like other members of the Lord’s extended family—did not immediately understand the divine nature of Christ. Yet through witnessing His life, teaching, and Resurrection, he came to believe fully in Him as the promised Messiah. He left all to follow Christ and was chosen among the Twelve.

The Gospels refer to him by several names: Jude, Thaddeus, and Lebbaeus. This was common in that time. He is not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, the betrayer.

After the Ascension of the Lord, Saint Jude travelled widely to proclaim the Gospel. He preached in Judea, Galilee, Samaria, Idumea, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Arabia. Tradition holds that he later journeyed as far as Armenia and Persia, bringing many to the knowledge of Christ.

Saint Jude is also the author of the Epistle that bears his name, one of the Catholic or General Epistles of the New Testament. Though brief, it is firm and direct. In it, he exhorts Christians to remain steadfast in the true faith and to guard themselves against false teachers. He reminds believers that faith must be lived through obedience, prayer, and works of love. He speaks clearly about the Holy Trinity, the reality of judgment, and the seriousness of apostasy.

His message remains timely. He calls the faithful to perseverance, to spiritual vigilance, and to mercy toward those who struggle or fall.

Saint Jude sealed his apostolic ministry with martyrdom around the year 80. Tradition says he was crucified and pierced with arrows. Through suffering, he bore witness to the One whom he had once misunderstood, but later followed with complete devotion.

The Church honours Saint Jude as a faithful apostle, steadfast martyr, and guardian of Orthodox belief. His life teaches us that faith can mature, deepen, and strengthen over time. Even those who once doubted can become courageous witnesses.

Through his prayers, may we remain firm in the true confession of Christ and live our faith not only in words, but in steadfast love and obedience.