greek saints

Who was Saint Simon

st-simon Saint Simon, often distinguished as Simon the Zealot or Simon the Canaanite in Christian tradition, is one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. His life, largely veiled in mystery, is celebrated for his unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the teachings of Christ. Unlike some of his fellow apostles, much of what is known about Saint Simon comes from tradition and apocryphal sources, with only fleeting mentions in the New Testament.

Simon is listed among the apostles in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and the Acts of the Apostles, but these texts offer little detail about his background or his ministry. The epithet “the Zealot” is believed to indicate his fervent zeal for the Jewish faith and possibly a former affiliation with the Zealots, a Jewish political movement that sought to overthrow Roman rule in Judea. However, some scholars argue that “Zealot” could simply denote his intense zeal for the teachings of Jesus, rather than a political affiliation.

Ministry and Mission

According to Eastern Christian tradition, after the Ascension of Christ, Saint Simon embarked on evangelizing missions that took him to various regions, including Egypt, North Africa, and even as far as the British Isles. Western tradition, however, often associates him with preaching in Mesopotamia, Persia (modern-day Iran), and Georgia. These accounts, while not verifiable, reflect the widespread impact of the apostolic missions in the early Christian church.

One of the most enduring legends about Saint Simon involves his partnership with Saint Jude Thaddeus. The two apostles are often mentioned together in Christian tradition, said to have undertaken missionary journeys as a pair, and they share a common feast day in many Christian liturgical calendars.

Martyrdom

The circumstances of Saint Simon’s martyrdom are as uncertain as the details of his life. Various traditions hold that he met a martyr’s death, possibly in Persia, where he was said to have been sawn in half, a fate that has become a part of his iconography in Christian art. However, the accounts of his martyrdom vary widely, and no single narrative is universally accepted.

Veneration

Saint Simon is venerated across Christian denominations. In the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Oriental Orthodox Churches, he is honored for his apostolic zeal and his commitment to spreading the Gospel, often in the face of great adversity. His feast day is celebrated on October 28th, jointly with Saint Jude Thaddeus, in the Roman Catholic Church, and on May 10th in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

In art, Saint Simon is sometimes depicted holding a saw, referencing the manner of his martyrdom according to some traditions, or a book, symbolizing the Gospel. Despite the scarcity of details about his life, Saint Simon’s legacy as an apostle underscores the diverse backgrounds and profound dedication of the followers who carried the message of Christ to the ends of the earth. His story, shrouded in legend, continues to inspire faith and devotion among Christians worldwide.