Icon with Saint Apostle Bartholomew - embroidered, framed, 15x18cm
The Apostle Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Nathanael in the Gospel according to John, carried with him the significance of the name Bartholomew as "son of Talmai" or "Tholmai."
After the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, he and the Apostle Philip were entrusted with the mission of preaching the Gospel in Syria and Asia Minor. Accompanied by Mary, they traveled through the cities of Asia and Lydia, spreading the word of Christ.
In Asia, they met John the Baptist, who was already preaching the teachings of the Savior. Their journey took them to the land of Phrygia, where they found the city of Hierapolis full of idols. Among these idols was a serpent that the inhabitants considered a goddess and kept in a temple specially built for her, offering sacrifices to her.
Seeing this wrongful worship, Saint Bartholomew, together with Philip, Mary, and the Apostle John, armed themselves with prayer against that serpent. With the power of God, they defeated the serpent, kneeling it down through prayer.
Subsequently, Philip, Bartholomew, and Mary remained in Hierapolis to illuminate the darkness of idolatry, working tirelessly day and night to preach the word of God, guiding the lost and bringing the deceived into the light.
In this city lived a blind man of forty named Stahie. Through prayer, the Holy Apostles restored his sight and enlightened his soul, baptizing him and bringing him into the world of believers. The news of the miracle spread rapidly throughout the city, bringing many people to the door of the Apostles.
They continued to spread healing and deliverance from the power of the devil through prayer. As a result of these miracles, many believed in Christ and were baptized.
The governor of the city, having a wife named Nicanora, was enraged by his conversion and ordered the execution of the Apostles. Thus, before departing for India, Apostle Bartholomew was subjected to crucifixion, being crucified head downwards together with Apostle Philip.
However, during a great earthquake, Saint Bartholomew was taken down from the cross, with people believing it to be a divine sign. Apostle Philip had already died.
He continued his mission in India, translating the Gospel according to Matthew and healing the daughter of the king of Armenia from madness.
In the end, he was martyred by the jealous brother of the king, who crucified, flayed, and beheaded him.
