Saint James

October 23rd & December 31st
Troparion (Tone 4)
Thou hast received the Gospel as a disciple, thou art invincible as a martyr, and bold as the Lord's brother, thou dost intercede as a hierarch. O righteous James, pray to Christ our God that He may save our souls.

James was a son of St. Joseph the Betrothed by a previous marriage. When Joseph was dying, he wanted to include Jesus as an heir, but Joseph's other sons opposed it, not considering Jesus to be a brother. James spoke up and said he would split his portion with Jesus, thus counting himself a true brother of the Lord. He kept chaste and lived on only bread and water. He was one of the 70. James became the first bishop in Jerusalem, where he served for about 30 years, presiding over the Council there. (Acts 15) He was instructed by the Lord to compose the first Liturgy, which was later shortened by St. Basil and St. John Chrysostom. He ruled with such wisdom that even unbelievers called him "James the Just". Ananias the High Priest determined to kill James. On Passover, when many people were in the city, the elders commanded James to climb up onto a roof and denounce Christ. St. James climbed up onto the roof and began to preach the gospel. The Jewish priests and elders threw him to the ground. He was badly injured, but alive. A man from the crowd ran up and hit him so hard in the head that his brains spilled out. Thus James entered into glory of the Kingdom of God.  This icon reads: Saint James  Bishop of Jerusalem  Brother of The Lord.  

This Icon is by the hand of an iconographer who wishes to remain anonymous.*  It is from St. John the Baptist OCA in Conemaugh, Pennsylvania.  

Order # cap-54

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