St. Simon the Apostle

St. Simon the Apostle

St. Simon is known as Simon Kananaios (Greek translation of the Aramaic term 'qena na' ) meaning Zealot. He hailed from Galilee, the son of Cleophas of the tribe of Ephraim. He was a member of the 'Zealots' a Jewish nationalist organization which was against Roman oppression. After the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, St. Simon preached in Jerusalem & Samaria along with St. Peter. Once there was a prominent Jewish leader whose son died. The Christians who attended the funeral told the leader to invite St. Simon who was preaching nearby to pray. Simon asked the father if he believed in Christ, the father replied he would only believe if his son could be brought back. St.Simon turned to the east & prayed, “Christ, our Lord, the one who was crucified during the times of Pontius Pilate, please raise this boy from death so that they will believe you are God and your name will be hallowed and everyone will believe in you.” Then he walked towards the dead boy & spoke, “Rise in the name of the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit so that all should believe in Jesus Christ.” Miraculously the dead boy opened his eyes and sat up. Simon asked them to serve him food. The assembled crowd knelt before him & cried, “How can we be saved?” Believe in Christ & you will be saved was his answer. St. Simon continued preaching, especially in Aleppo, Mabug & Clovedia. He attained the crown of martyrdom by being crucified along with Apostle St. Jude. Biography adapted from 'Martyrs, Saints & Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'