Icon of St. Matthew the Evangelist - 21st c. - 00STMA01

Feast Day/Commemorated: November 16

The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the Twelve Apostles and the brother of James Alphaeus. Before his calling, he served as a publican, or tax-collector for the Roman Empire, in Capernaum—a profession that made him despised by his Jewish countrymen who viewed publicans as traitors and sinners. However, when Jesus called him to "Come, follow Me," Matthew immediately abandoned his lucrative post, demonstrating profound faith. His conversion was so impactful that he hosted a meal for Jesus and His disciples, inviting his fellow publicans and sinners. This act profoundly disturbed the Pharisees, who could not comprehend Christ's mission to call sinners to repentance rather than the righteous.

Following his call, Matthew fully embraced his new life. He sought to make amends for any past dishonest dealings, repaying those he had cheated fourfold and distributing his remaining possessions to the poor. He became a dedicated disciple, diligently absorbing the Divine Teacher's instructions, witnessing countless miracles, and joining the other Apostles in preaching to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." He was a direct witness to the entirety of Christ's earthly ministry, including His suffering, death, Resurrection, and glorious Ascension into Heaven, providing him with firsthand experience that would profoundly shape his future evangelistic work.

After receiving the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Saint Matthew preached in Palestine for several years. Responding to the request of Jewish converts in Jerusalem, he penned his Gospel, meticulously detailing the earthly life of the Savior before venturing into distant lands for further missionary work. His Gospel, traditionally the first book of the New Testament, was initially written in Aramaic and later translated into Greek. It served as a powerful testimony to the Jewish people, unequivocally demonstrating that Jesus Christ was the long-awaited Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament, leaving no doubt that there would be no other.

Matthew's Gospel is meticulously structured, presenting the Savior's preaching and deeds in three distinct divisions, highlighting different aspects of the Messiah's service: as Prophet and Law-Giver, as Lord over the visible and invisible world, and ultimately as High Priest, offering Himself as a Sacrifice for humanity's sins. Beyond Christological themes, the Gospel delves deeply into the concepts of the Kingdom of God and the Church. It uses parables to illustrate inner preparation for the Kingdom, the conduct of Church servants, the Kingdom's growth in human souls, and the humility required of its inheritors. It also addresses eschatological revelations concerning the Kingdom's ultimate manifestation at Christ's Second Coming, emphasizing the intimate connection between the Church as the historical embodiment of the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom itself in its perfected eschatological form.

Saint Matthew's missionary journey extended to Syria, Media, Persia, Parthia, culminating in Ethiopia, where he met a martyr's death. In Ethiopia, a land inhabited by tribes with primitive customs, he courageously converted idol-worshippers, founded a church, and appointed his companion Platon as bishop. A miraculous event involving a staff given by the Lord, which grew into a fruitful tree and produced healing water, further aided conversions. Despite these successes, the local ruler, Fulvian, resisted Christianity. After Matthew healed Fulvian's wife and son, a miracle that brought more converts, the enraged ruler accused Matthew of sorcery and ordered his execution by fire. Miraculously, the fire did not harm Matthew, and even melted pagan idols, prompting Fulvian's repentance. After Matthew's peaceful passing in the fire, Fulvian, still with doubts, cast the saint's body into the sea in an iron coffin as a test. However, Matthew appeared to Bishop Platon in a dream, leading them to miraculously recover the coffin. Fulvian, witnessing this final sign, was baptized, taking the name Matthew, and later became a presbyter and eventually the bishop of the Ethiopian Church, continuing the work of his heavenly patron.

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