St. Matthias – The Apostle Chosen to Replace Judas

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Saint Details

ST. MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE

St. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the Twelve Apostles after Christ's resurrection. His selection through prayer and casting lots (Acts 1:23–26) reflects God’s divine will. He preached in Judea and Ethiopia before being martyred. St. Matthias is the patron saint of tailors, carpenters, and those recovering from alcoholism.

St. Matthias the Apostle occupies a unique place in Christian tradition as the apostle chosen to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot. His selection is described in the Book of Acts, chapter 1, where, after Jesus’ ascension, the early disciples felt the need to restore the group of apostles to twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. The apostles prayed and cast lots between two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. The lot fell to Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. This event reflects the early Christian community’s reliance on prayer and divine will for important decisions.

Though he is not mentioned by name elsewhere in the New Testament, tradition holds that Matthias had been a faithful follower of Jesus from the time of His baptism by John until the Ascension. His role was important symbolically, and he is considered one of the Twelve, even though he was not part of the original group chosen by Jesus during His earthly ministry.

Various historical accounts and traditions offer different versions of his missionary work and death. Some suggest that he preached in Judea, others claim he traveled to Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), and some traditions even associate him with missions in Ethiopia or the region around the Caspian Sea. Regarding his death, early Christian sources differ. Some say he was stoned to death in Jerusalem and then beheaded, others that he was crucified. Despite these differing traditions, the consensus is that he died as a martyr for the Christian faith.

His relics are said to have been transferred to Trier, Germany, where the Abbey of St. Matthias claims to house his tomb. This makes him the only apostle believed to be buried north of the Alps. Whether this is historically accurate or not, the Abbey has become a site of pilgrimage and devotion.

St. Matthias’ feast day is celebrated on May 14 in the Roman Catholic Church, and on different dates in other Christian denominations. He is venerated as the patron saint of alcoholics, carpenters, tailors, and those suffering from smallpox. His iconography often includes a book, symbolizing his apostolic teaching, and various instruments of martyrdom such as an axe, halberd, or spear.

Despite the scant scriptural details, St. Matthias serves as a powerful example of humble discipleship and faithfulness. He reminds believers that being chosen by God may come quietly, without fame or attention, yet it can lead to profound responsibility and purpose in spreading the Gospel.

Feast Day

14-5-

Birth Date

--1st Century

Died Date

--1st Century

Canonised Date

--

Possibly Jerusalem or Georgia

"Saint Matthias, chosen by God to be a faithful witness of Christ, pray for us. Help us to follow the path of righteousness, to live with courage and devotion, and to spread the Gospel with our lives. Guide us in our decisions and strengthen our faith, that we may serve God and others with all our hearts. Amen."
ST. MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE

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ST. MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE

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