By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Today, August 21, our Church commemorates Saint Judas the Apostle, also known as Judas Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus, who, according to Eusebius of Caesarea, is one of the Seventy Disciples of Christ. Thaddaeus means forgiving and Lebbaeus means courageous. Because of his many names Ieronymos of Hippo called him “Trinomial”. He was the brother of Saint Jacob, known as “little”, and son of Alphaios.
Saint Judas Thaddaeus must not be confused with Judas, brother of Jesus, whose memory is commemorated on June 19 and was the brother of James the Just, first Hierarch of Jerusalem. The reason for such confusion may have been due to the fact that both apostles were named Judas, lived and preached at the same time and in the same area.
Thaddeus was by descent a Hebrew, and he was born in Edessa, Syria. Today, Edessa is known as Urfa located in south-eastern Turkey.
Saint Judas Thaddeus travelled to Jerusalem, where he heard the preaching of John the Forerunner. He was baptised in the Jordan and then followed a group of disciples of John the Baptist, to which both John and James, sons of Zebedee, belonged.
After the Ascension of the Savior to Heaven, Saint Judas Thaddaeus preached the Christian faith in his homeland, where he healed the ruler Abgar and travelled throughout Syria, spreading the good news of the Resurrection. He also went to Beirut and other areas of Phoenicia, where he baptized many pagans. He died peacefully remaining faithful to his holy mission and preserving the holy legacy.
The memory of Saint Judas Thaddeus is also celebrated by the Christians of Central Europe and Ireland.
Source: Church of Cyprus
