Bartholomew
Apostle who brought the Gospel to Armenia and faced martyrdom for his unwavering faith.
Patronage
Leather workers, plasterers, bookbinders, tanners, butchers, Armenian Church
Virtues & Traits
Biography
Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, also known as Nathanael. According to tradition, he preached the Gospel in various regions including India, Armenia, and the Middle East. Early Christian sources describe him as bringing a copy of Matthew's Gospel to Armenia. He was known for his genuine faith, which Jesus commended when calling him as a disciple. Historical accounts, particularly from Eusebius and other early Church fathers, indicate he undertook extensive missionary work to spread Christianity. Tradition holds that he was martyred in Armenia, flayed alive for his faith, though details vary across sources. His relics were later venerated in Rome. Bartholomew's feast day is celebrated on August 24, and he remains venerated as an important apostolic figure whose dedication to missionary work exemplified early Christian evangelization efforts across Asia and the Mediterranean world.