Saint Bartholomew

Bartholomew is one of the Twelve Apostles mentioned sixth in the three Gospel lists (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14) and seventh in the list of Acts (1:13). Bartholomaios is an ancient Hebrew name meaning "son of Talmai.” Some scholars believe that Bartholomew was Nathanael, a man of Cana in Galilee who was summoned to Jesus by Philip. Jesus paid him a great compliment: “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him” (John 1:47b). When Jesus told him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you (1:48)," Nathaniel responded, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel (1:49)!" Nothing more is known of Bartholomew for certain. According to some accounts, after Saint Bartholomew converted his brother, the King of Armenia had him beheaded; according to others, he was flayed alive and crucified, head downward. Saint Bartholomew, pray for us.