The story of St. James the Elder
He is remembered for his faithfulness and courage, and is considered one of the pillars of the early Christian Church. James was martyred for his beliefs, becoming the first of the twelve apostles to be killed. According to tradition, he was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem. Despite his early death, James is remembered for his contributions to the early Church and his unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.
Name meaning
St. James the Elder, also known as James the Greater, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is often distinguished from James the Lesser, who is another apostle. The designation "the Elder" or "the Greater" likely refers to either his stature or age, or perhaps his earlier calling to discipleship compared to James the Lesser. James the Elder was the brother of John the Apostle and is traditionally believed to be the son of Zebedee and Salome. He is a significant figure in Christianity, known for his close relationship with Jesus. Along with Peter and John, he was one of the three apostles who witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus and was present at the Garden of Gethsemane during Jesus' agony. James the Elder is considered the patron saint of Spain, and according to tradition, his remains are held in Santiago de Compostela, which became one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval Christianity. His feast day is celebrated on July 25th.
Name origin
Hebrew
Role
Apostle
In Hebrew
רְחוֹב ג'יימס האב