Holy Apostle James, son of Alphaeus; St. Andronicus and his wife, St. Athanasia of Egypt

Holy Apostle James, the son of Alphaeus, one of the Twelve Apostles

He was the brother of the holy Evangelist Matthew. He heard the Lord’s words and witnessed His miracles.

After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle James Alphaeus and the Apostle Andrew the First-Called (November 30), made missionary journeys preaching in Judea, Edessa, Gaza, Eleutheropolis, proclaiming the Gospel, healing all sorts of sickness and disease, and converting many to the path of salvation.

Saint James finished his apostolic work In the Egyptian city of Ostrachina, where he was crucified by the pagans.

Troparion — Tone 3

Holy Apostle James, entreat the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.

Saint Andronicus and his wife Athanasia of Egypt

They lived in Antioch in the fifth century. Saint Andronicus was a craftsman who divided his earnings into three portions. One part he gave to the Church, the second to the poor, and the third he used for his family.

When the Lord took the son and daughter of Andronicus and Athanasia, the pious couple decided to devote themselves fully to the service of God, helping the poor and the sick. Soon the saintly spouses set out for Alexandria, where Andronicus entered a skete monastery, and Athanasia entered the women’s Tabennisiota monastery.

After twelve years of ascetic life Saint Andronicus went to Jerusalem to pray at the holy places. He met a co-pilgrim, Saint Athanasia, who, foreseeing the difficulties of the journey, had donned men’s attire. They did not recognize each other, since long ascetic effort had altered their appearance.

When they returned from Jerusalem, both monks settled into a single cell and for many years lived the ascetic life in silence. Saint Athanasia wrote a note to be read after her death, revealing her secret.. Saint Andronicus died soon after Saint Athanasia.