The Feast of Saint Bartholomew

Join us for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on the Feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle. The Rector, T.J. Freeman, will preach. This feast honors one of the Twelve whose faithful witness endures even though Scripture tells us little about him. Named in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Bartholomew--meaning son of Tolmai--is often identified with Nathanael, the friend of Philip in John's Gospel. When Jesus called him, Nathanael responded with honest skepticism, only to be recognized by Jesus as an Israelite without guile. Upon realizing who stood before him, Nathanael proclaimed, Rabbi, you are the Son of God. Ancient tradition holds that Bartholomew carried the gospel to distant lands, including India, where the teacher Pantaenus reportedly found a Hebrew copy of Matthew's Gospel left behind by him. Later accounts place his martyrdom at Albanopolis in Armenia, where he was said to have been flayed alive for his faith. Bartholomew's life reminds the church of the courage to bear witness even when unseen and of the call to proclaim Christ with integrity, steadfastness, and truth.