The Identity and Kinship of Saint James

Saint James, known as the "Brother of the Lord," occupies a unique place in the genealogy of the early Church. Tradition generally identifies him as the son of Joseph the Betrothed from a marriage prior to his engagement to the Virgin Mary, though some historical accounts suggest he may have been Joseph's nephew through his brother Cleopas. Regardless of the specific genealogical thread, he was recognized by the scriptural idiom as Christ’s brother due to their close familial bond. To distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee (James the Greater), the Evangelists referred to him as James the Less.

Leadership of the Early Church

As the first Bishop of Jerusalem, James was elevated to his episcopal rank by the Apostles themselves, a testament to his immense spiritual authority. He was widely known as "Obliah," or "the Just," a title reflecting his profound holiness and integrity. His leadership was most notably displayed when he presided over the Council of Jerusalem, where he played a pivotal role in resolving the tension between Jewish traditionalists and the burgeoning community of Gentile converts, effectively shaping the future of the Christian mission.

A Life of Prayer and Witness

James was a man of such relentless devotion that his knees reportedly became as calloused as those of a camel, earning him the affectionate nickname "camel-kneed." His unwavering commitment culminated in a dramatic final testimony during the Passover. At the prompting of the people, he ascended the crest of the Temple and loudly proclaimed that Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God and shall return upon the clouds of heaven. While many in the crowd responded with shouts of "Hosanna," his words incited the fury of the religious authorities.

Martyrdom and Lasting Legacy

At the command of the high priest Ananias, the Scribes and Pharisees cast James headlong from the Temple heights. Despite the fall, he survived long enough to pray for his executioners while being stoned, until his life was finally ended when a scribe crushed his head with a wooden club. His legacy endures through the first of the Catholic Epistles, which he wrote to the faithful in the Diaspora. Today, he is venerated as a primary witness to the Resurrection and the author of the Divine Liturgy that bears his name.

(Greek: Ὁ Ἅγιος Ἰάκωβος ὁ Ἀδελφόθεος), the "Brother of the Lord" and the first Bishop of Jerusalem.

It is a fresco from the Church of St. George in Staro Nagoričane, located in modern-day North Macedonia.
Timeframe: It was painted between 1317 and 1318.
Artists: The fresco is the work of the famous court painters Michael Astrapas and Eutychios, who were the most prominent artists under the patronage of the Serbian King Stefan Milutin.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel & can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

Reviews (0)