Who Were the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ? A Greek Orthodox Guide
- Sotiri Papanikolaou
- Oct 2
- 12 min read
Introduction
Who were the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ? This question has echoed through the centuries, inspiring Christians to look back at the men chosen by Jesus to walk closest with Him. The Apostles were not only His companions during His ministry but also the foundation of the Church. They were fishermen, a tax collector, brothers, and friends who left behind everything to follow the Lord. Through their faith and struggles they became the first to carry His message to the world.
In the Greek Orthodox tradition the Apostles are honored as models of faith and devotion. They are remembered in the prayers of the Divine Liturgy, depicted in holy icons, and celebrated in feast days throughout the year. Their stories are filled with both weakness and courage. Peter denied Christ before the Crucifixion yet became the boldest preacher after Pentecost. Thomas doubted until he saw the Risen Lord yet later traveled across nations to proclaim the Gospel. Each Apostle shows a different side of faith, reminding us that holiness grows in the midst of human struggle.
The number twelve was chosen with purpose. It reflects continuity with the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolizes the new covenant established by Christ. By choosing twelve men, Jesus created a living sign that the promises of the Old Testament were fulfilled in Him. Through the Apostles the faith spread from Jerusalem to the farthest corners of the known world, laying the foundation of the Orthodox Church that endures to this day.
What Does Apostle Mean?
The word Apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos, which means “one who is sent.” This definition captures the heart of their mission. The Apostles were chosen not only to learn from Jesus but to be sent out into the world as His messengers. They were to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, cast out demons, and bear witness to His Resurrection. In the Gospels, Jesus calls them disciples when they are learning and Apostles when they are sent.
The distinction is important. Many followed Jesus as disciples, but only twelve were given the responsibility of being Apostles. The number twelve symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel, showing that their mission was tied to the history of God’s people. Just as Israel was called to be a light to the nations, the Apostles were chosen to continue that mission in Christ. Their witness formed the foundation of the Church, which continues to be built on their teaching and example.
Names of the 12 Apostles
The Bible gives us several lists of the Apostles in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and in the Book of Acts. While there are slight variations in the way names are recorded, the Church preserves the tradition of the Twelve who were chosen directly by Jesus Christ. These men are often called the Twelve Disciples of Jesus, but in their mission after Pentecost they became known as the Apostles.
Here is the traditional list of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ:
Peter (Simon Peter) – Fisherman from Galilee, leader of the Apostles.
Andrew – Brother of Peter, called the First-Called.
James the Greater – Son of Zebedee, one of the inner circle.
John the Theologian – Brother of James, the beloved disciple.
Philip – Early follower who brought Nathanael to Christ.
Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Known for his sincerity and missionary work.
Matthew (Levi) – Former tax collector, later the Evangelist.
Thomas (Didymus) – Remembered for his doubt and later great faith.
James the Less – Son of Alphaeus, first bishop of Jerusalem.
Thaddeus (Jude) – Sometimes called Judas son of James, preacher in the East.
Simon the Zealot – Known for his zeal and missionary spirit.
Judas Iscariot – Betrayed Christ and was replaced by Matthias after the Resurrection.
The inclusion of Judas reminds us of human weakness, but the choice of Matthias to replace him shows the Church’s faith in God’s plan and the need for the Apostles to remain twelve. Their names appear throughout Scripture and are woven into the liturgy of the Orthodox Church. Each Apostle is remembered for his unique role in the history of salvation.
Lives of the Apostles
Peter (Simon Peter)
Peter, originally called Simon, was a fisherman from Galilee and the leader of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. Jesus renamed him Peter, meaning “rock,” and declared that on this foundation the Church would be built. Peter’s character was bold yet human, marked by great faith but also moments of weakness. He denied Christ three times during the Passion, but later repented and was restored by the Risen Lord.
After Pentecost Peter became one of the strongest voices in the early Church. He preached with courage, performed miracles, and guided the growing Christian community. Tradition holds that Peter traveled to Rome, where he led the faithful until his martyrdom under Emperor Nero. Choosing humility, he asked to be crucified upside down. His feast is celebrated on June 29 along with St. Paul, marking their shared role in spreading the Gospel.
Andrew
Andrew, the brother of Peter, was the first disciple to follow Christ, earning him the title First-Called (Protoklitos). He introduced his brother to Jesus and spent his life bringing others to the faith. Andrew is remembered as a man of missionary zeal who left his homeland to spread the Gospel far and wide.
Tradition teaches that Andrew preached in Scythia, Thrace, and especially in Greece. He is closely connected with the city of Byzantium, which later became Constantinople, making him the spiritual ancestor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He was martyred in Patras, Greece, crucified on an X-shaped cross. His feast day is November 30, when the Orthodox Church remembers his tireless witness.
James the Greater
James, son of Zebedee and brother of John, was one of Christ’s inner circle along with Peter and John. He was present at important events such as the Transfiguration and the raising of Jairus’ daughter. His fiery spirit earned him and John the nickname “sons of thunder.”
James became the first Apostle to suffer martyrdom. Around the year 44, he was executed by King Herod Agrippa in Jerusalem, making him a symbol of courage and steadfast faith. His feast day is celebrated on April 30, reminding the Church of the cost of discipleship.
John the Theologian
John, the brother of James, is often called the Beloved Disciple. He was close to Christ throughout His ministry, leaning on His breast at the Last Supper and standing faithfully at the foot of the Cross. Jesus entrusted His mother, the Theotokos, to John’s care.
John authored the Gospel that bears his name, as well as three Epistles and the Book of Revelation. He is honored as a Theologian for his profound writings on love and the mystery of Christ. Unlike most of the Apostles, John died a natural death in old age. His feast is celebrated on September 26.
Philip
Philip came from Bethsaida, the same town as Peter and Andrew. He was quick to follow Jesus and invited Nathanael (Bartholomew) to meet Him. In the Gospels Philip is remembered for his practical questions, which opened the way for Jesus to reveal deeper truths.
Tradition says Philip preached in Asia Minor, where he performed miracles and converted many to Christianity. He was eventually martyred in Hierapolis. His feast is celebrated on November 14, honoring his role as a faithful messenger of the Gospel.
Bartholomew (Nathanael)
Bartholomew, also called Nathanael, was known for his sincerity. When Philip brought him to Jesus, Christ praised him as “an Israelite without deceit.” His honesty and openness became his defining traits.
Bartholomew traveled widely as a missionary, bringing the Gospel to Armenia, Mesopotamia, and India. He suffered martyrdom for his faith, being flayed alive before his death. His feast day is June 11, when the Church remembers his courage and devotion.
Matthew
Matthew, also called Levi, worked as a tax collector before being called by Jesus. Leaving his booth, he followed Christ immediately. His Gospel shows his attention to detail and his desire to present Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
Tradition holds that Matthew preached in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa and the Middle East. He faced persecution and eventually martyrdom for his faith. His feast is celebrated on November 16, honoring him as both an Apostle and Evangelist.
Thomas
Thomas is often remembered for doubting the Resurrection until he touched Christ’s wounds. Yet his story is one of transformation, moving from doubt to one of the strongest confessions of faith when he declared, “My Lord and my God.”
Thomas carried the Gospel far beyond the Roman Empire, traveling to India where he established Christian communities that exist to this day. He was martyred for his faith, and his feast is celebrated on October 6.
James the Less
James the Less, the son of Alphaeus, is sometimes called James the Just. He became the first bishop of Jerusalem, guiding the early Church with wisdom and integrity. His leadership helped the community navigate difficult questions about Gentile converts.
He was known for his holiness and dedication to prayer. Tradition holds that he was martyred by being thrown from the Temple and then stoned. His feast day is October 9.
Thaddeus (Jude)
Thaddeus, also known as Jude or Judas son of James, is remembered for his preaching in Judea, Syria, and Persia. He is associated with the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament.
Thaddeus is often called upon in prayer as a helper in desperate situations. He was martyred for his faith, and his feast is celebrated on June 19.
Simon the Zealot
Simon was known for his zeal and commitment. He carried the Gospel to North Africa and as far as Britain according to tradition, showing how widely the message of Christ spread.
He was eventually martyred for his preaching, remembered as a passionate witness who gave his life for the truth. His feast day is May 10.
Judas Iscariot and Matthias
Judas Iscariot is remembered as the Apostle who betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver. Filled with remorse, he took his own life. His tragic story is a reminder of the danger of greed and despair.
To restore the number to twelve, the remaining Apostles chose Matthias, who had followed Jesus from the beginning. Matthias was faithful in his mission, preaching in Judea and Cappadocia before being martyred. His feast day is August 9.
The Apostles’ Mission After Christ
After the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, the Apostles faced a moment of uncertainty. That changed at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them in the form of tongues of fire. Filled with divine strength, they began to speak in different languages, proclaiming the Gospel to people from every nation gathered in Jerusalem. This event marks the true beginning of their mission, transforming the Apostles into fearless preachers of the faith.
From that moment, the Apostles spread out across the known world. Peter traveled to Antioch and Rome, becoming the leading figure of the early Church. Andrew brought the message of Christ to Greece and beyond. Thomas carried the Gospel as far as India, while Bartholomew is remembered for preaching in Armenia. Each Apostle brought the light of Christ to new lands, often enduring persecution and martyrdom for their testimony. Their journeys created the first Christian communities, laying the foundation of the universal Church.
In the Orthodox tradition, this missionary work is more than history. It is the beginning of what is called Apostolic succession, the passing down of authority from the Apostles to the bishops of the Church. Through this unbroken chain, the teachings of the Apostles continue to live in the liturgy, sacraments, and spiritual life of Orthodoxy. The faith we practice today is directly tied to the witness of the Twelve.
The Apostles are remembered not only for their words but for their courage. They left behind their homes and families, endured suffering, and gave their lives so that the name of Christ could be known. Their mission after Pentecost shows that the Church was not built by human strength alone, but by the power of the Holy Spirit working through those who were sent.
Feast Days of the Apostles
The Orthodox Church honors the Apostles not only through Scripture and tradition but also through the rhythm of the liturgical year. Their feast days remind the faithful of their witness and sacrifice, calling Christians to follow their example of devotion.
The collective feast of the Apostles is celebrated on June 30, known as the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles. This comes the day after the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, which is one of the most important feast days in Orthodoxy. Together these celebrations highlight the unity of the Apostles and their role as the foundation of the Church. The Synaxis reminds the faithful that the Twelve worked as one body, each with unique gifts but all serving Christ.
In addition to the collective feast, each Apostle is remembered individually. St. Andrew is honored on November 30, recognized as the First-Called and patron of Constantinople. St. John the Theologian is remembered on September 26, celebrated for his writings and closeness to Christ. St. Thomas has his feast on October 6, reminding the Church of his journey from doubt to faith. St. James the Less, the first bishop of Jerusalem, is honored on October 9. St. Bartholomew is remembered on June 11, while St. Philip is honored on November 14. Each date provides a moment to reflect on the lives of these Apostles and the legacy they left behind.
Feast days are not simply dates on a calendar but living connections to the history of the Church. On these days, Orthodox Christians gather in worship, chanting hymns and venerating icons that recall the lives of the Apostles. The calendar ensures that their witness remains present in the life of the Church year after year.
Legacy in Orthodox Christianity
The Apostles remain central to the life of the Orthodox Church. They are remembered not only as historical figures but as living examples whose presence continues through the Church’s worship, teaching, and spirituality. Every Divine Liturgy includes prayers that mention the Apostles, linking today’s faithful with the first witnesses of Christ.
Icons of the Apostles are found in churches throughout the world. They are often depicted together in the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles or individually in panels that line the iconostasis. These images are not simply art but reminders that the Apostles are still intercessors for the faithful. Their lives are celebrated in hymns, liturgical readings, and sermons, ensuring that their memory remains alive in every generation.
The role of the Apostles also continues in the Church’s understanding of authority. Through apostolic succession, the bishops of today are seen as the direct successors of the Twelve. This unbroken line ensures that the faith taught by the Apostles is preserved without alteration. Orthodox Christians understand their faith not as an invention of later times but as the same message first proclaimed by Peter, Andrew, John, and the others.
The Apostles shaped the Church not only by their missionary journeys but by their writings and example of faith. Their legacy is visible in every aspect of Orthodox life, from the structure of the Church to the prayers of the liturgy. By remembering them, the Church is reminded of its mission to continue what they began: to bring the light of Christ to every corner of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ
1. Who were the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ?
The 12 Apostles were the closest followers chosen by Jesus to witness His ministry, death, and resurrection. They included Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Less, Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who was later replaced by Matthias.
2. What is the difference between a disciple and an Apostle?
A disciple is a student or follower, while an Apostle is one who is sent out with authority. Jesus had many disciples, but only twelve were chosen as Apostles to carry His message to the world.
3. Why did Jesus choose twelve Apostles?
The number twelve symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel, showing continuity between the Old Testament and the New Covenant. It represented the fullness of God’s people, now renewed through Christ.
4. What happened to the Apostles after Jesus ascended into heaven?
After Pentecost, the Apostles traveled to different lands to spread the Gospel. They preached, performed miracles, and most of them eventually gave their lives as martyrs for the faith.
5. How does the Orthodox Church honor the Apostles?
The Orthodox Church celebrates the Apostles in prayers, hymns, icons, and feast days. Their collective feast is held on June 30, and each Apostle also has an individual day of commemoration.
6. Who replaced Judas Iscariot after his betrayal?
After Judas betrayed Christ and died, Matthias was chosen by the remaining Apostles to restore their number to twelve. His feast day is celebrated on August 9.
7. Did all the Apostles write parts of the Bible?
Not all of the Apostles wrote books of the Bible. Matthew and John wrote Gospels, while others like Peter and John also wrote epistles. Some Apostles are remembered more for their missionary journeys than for their writings.
8. Where did the Apostles travel to preach the Gospel?
Tradition teaches that the Apostles went across the known world. Thomas reached India, Andrew traveled through Greece, Peter went to Rome, and Bartholomew preached in Armenia. Each carried Christ’s message to new lands.
9. Why are Peter and Paul celebrated together?
Even though Paul was not one of the original Twelve, the Church remembers Peter and Paul together on June 29 because of their shared role in spreading the Gospel. Both were martyred in Rome and are seen as pillars of the Church.
10. What is the legacy of the Apostles today?
The Apostles are remembered as the foundation of the Christian faith. Through apostolic succession, the Orthodox Church continues their teaching, and their example still inspires believers to live with faith and courage.
Conclusion
Who were the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ? They were ordinary men called to an extraordinary mission. Fishermen, brothers, a tax collector, and friends left behind their daily lives to walk with the Lord and to spread His Gospel to the nations. Their names remain alive in Scripture, in Orthodox liturgy, and in the hearts of the faithful who continue to honor them.
The Apostles remind us that faith is not lived in theory but in action. They endured trials, doubts, and persecution, yet through the power of the Holy Spirit they became witnesses who carried Christ’s light to the world. Their feast days, icons, and teachings ensure that their example remains present in the Church today.
The legacy of the Apostles is not only history but a living tradition. The Orthodox Church continues their mission through worship, teaching, and the unbroken chain of apostolic succession. To know their stories is to understand the foundation of the Christian faith. As you reflect on their lives, consider exploring each Apostle in greater detail, for within each one is a lesson of courage, devotion, and transformation that speaks across the centuries.
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Sotiri Papanikolaou is a writer for GetGreece.com dedicated to exploring Greek history and culture. He aims to share stories that connect Greece’s rich past with its present and looks forward to bringing readers more insights every day.
