Icon of the Holy Apostle James, son of Zebedee, embroidered, framed, 15x18cm.
The Holy Apostle James, the son of Zebedee and the brother of the Holy Evangelist John, known as the Boanerges, was among those chosen by Jesus to become one of the twelve apostles.
Alongside his brother, he abandoned the boat and the livelihood of a fisherman to follow Christ, responding to His divine call and accompanying Him everywhere.
In the Gospels, the two brothers are mentioned together, and Jesus called them the "sons of thunder" because of their temperament. The Lord loved them so much that He promised His cup to James and gave His bosom to John.
The Holy Apostle James witnessed important events such as the Transfiguration and Jesus' prayer on the Mount of Olives.
After the Lord's Ascension, it is said that James traveled to Spain and then returned to Palestine, where he successfully preached in Samaria and Judea, contributing to the leadership of the Judeo-Christian community in Jerusalem, alongside Peter and John.
In a confrontation with the Pharisees and teachers of the Law, Saint James highlighted their hardened hearts and unbelief. To defend his teaching, they brought the sorcerer Hermogenes to confront James. However, when Hermogenes sent his disciple, Philip, to speak with James, the latter, filled with the Holy Spirit, remained silent and could not contradict his wisdom. Upon returning to Hermogenes, Philip testified that James's teaching is irresistible and supported by miracles. Desperate, Hermogenes bound Philip with the help of demons. He secretly sent him to the apostle, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, James freed Philip. Frightened by the power of the apostle's words, the demons retreated, and Philip converted and was baptized.
Angry, Hermogenes swore to bring James and Philip before him. The demons, sent to capture them, were caught and bound by an angel of the Lord. The bound demons cried out to James to release them, and the apostle, after unbinding them, sent them to bring Hermogenes before him. Later, the apostle asked Philip to release Hermogenes and let him go. Aware of the demons' anger, Hermogenes asked for James's protection and was entrusted with the apostle's staff. Now having no fear of the demons, Hermogenes returned home safely.
When the Jews learned of these events, they asked Emperor Herod to punish James and Philip. Under these pressures, Herod condemned James to death and then seized Peter, placing him in prison. A certain Josiah, who witnessed James's courage and faith, also converted to Christianity. Both Josiah and James were sentenced to death.
James the Great is the patron saint of Spain and Galicia. Saint James is known in Spanish as Santiago and is also the patron saint for Guatemala, Nicaragua, and fishermen.
The Church commemorates James the son of Zebedee on April 30, the day of his repose, and on June 30 (together with the other Apostles).
