Saint of the day, February 18 – Zeale
Simon was a relative of Jesus Christ, possibly a first cousin, and is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew as one of the “brethren” of Jesus and in Acts of the Apostles as one of those present at Pentecost.
February 18 – St. Simon of Jerusalem
Born: c. first century
Died: 107
Nationality: Israeli
Vocation: bishop
Attributes: reading Scriptures
Canonization: pre-congregation
Simon was a relative of Jesus Christ, possibly a first cousin, and is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew as one of the “brethren” of Jesus and in Acts of the Apostles as one of those present at Pentecost.
A witness of the martyrdom of St. James the Lesser, Simon was the successor of James as bishop of Jerusalem. Before the city fell to the Romans, Christians there evacuated to Pella with Simon as their leader.
After the destruction of the city, Simon led the Christians back to the city where they performed miracles and converted many.
He was eventually arrested, tortured and crucified for being both Jewish and Christian.
St. Simon of Jerusalem, pray for us.
