St Simon was one of the original 12 Apostles called by Christ. Scripture says the Simon was a relative of Jesus. He was probably a first cousin of Jesus and eight years older than Jesus, because tradition says that his father was Cleophas who was Joseph's brother and possibly his mother was Mary's sister or cousin as well. Simon would follow Jesus in his career and help run the church after the Ascension.
He was there at Pentecost to witness the birth of the church and receive the Holy Spirit. While helping run the church in Jerusalem he would witness the martyrdom of James the Lesser, Apostle and first Bishop of Jerusalem. St Epiphanius records that Simon would take over the church after James' death and be elected unanimously. In the year 66 AD, civil war would break out because of Jewish resistance in Palestine. Being divinely inspired, Simon would take the Christians out of the area to a city called Pella.
When Palestine was totally ruined later by Emperor Hadrian, Simon would return with the people and convert many more. Later, Simon would be captured and imprisoned, not only for being a of the race of David, but also being a Christian. After being imprisoned and tortured, Simon would be martyred by crucifixion. Tradition also says he lived to be 120 yrs old.
On Wednesday, February 18th we will celebrate the feast day of St Simon, Apostle and Bishop of the Jerusalem church who would be martyred after being a a true shepherd for his flock. | |
