Saint Matthias the Apostle
Saint Matthias the Apostle (born c. 1st century BC in Judea; died c. 80 AD) was the Apostle chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve Apostles (Acts 1:15–26), making him the only Apostle chosen after the Ascension of Christ. He had been a follower of Jesus from the beginning of His ministry through the Resurrection. He is patron of alcoholics (due to Judas's place he filled), carpenters, and various cities. His feast day is May 14 in the Roman Rite.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Matthias the Apostle
| Saint Matthias the Apostle | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | May 14 |
| Profession | Apostle; witness to the Resurrection; disciple of Jesus from the baptism of John |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Eastern Orthodox Church; Coptic Church; Georgian Orthodox Church; the Twelve Apostles; Jerusalem church; the original community of 120 |
| Patronage | Alcoholics (in some traditions, because he took the place of the betrayer); carpenters; tailors; Trier (Germany); Georgia (Colchis tradition); Ethiopia (Ethiopian Coptic tradition); those who were chosen when others failed |
| Attributes | Axe or halberd (martyrdom); Gospel book; lot or ballot (chosen by lot); the number 12 (restoring the Twelve); Apostolic garb |
| Birthplace | Judea (traditional) |
| Death Place | Unknown; tradition places his martyrdom in Ethiopia, Colchis (Georgia), or Jerusalem |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; he was martyred, according to tradition; various traditions place his martyrdom in Ethiopia, Colchis (modern Georgia), or Judea; the Acts of the Apostles say nothing of his subsequent mission or death; early tradition says he was stoned to death; some traditions say beheaded with an axe |
| Primary Shrine | Abbey of Saint Matthias, Trier, Germany — the most ancient and secure Western shrine; Benedictine monastery active since 977 AD; his relics (brought by Saint Helena per tradition); pilgrimage site in the Moselle Valley; a major pilgrimage destination in German-speaking Catholicism |
| Liturgical Class | Feast (Roman Rite); May 14; Feast in many Eastern churches |
| Historic Class | Double of the Second Class; February 24 (moved to May 14 after the 1969 calendar reform to place it within the Easter season, since he was chosen after the Ascension) |
Biography
Matthias was a disciple of Jesus from the beginning of the public ministry through the Resurrection. He was not among the original Twelve but was one of the wider circle of followers who accompanied Jesus throughout His mission.
After the Ascension of Christ and before Pentecost, the Apostle Peter convened the community of about 120 followers in Jerusalem and proposed filling the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15–26). The candidate must be a witness to the entire ministry from the baptism of John through the Resurrection. Two men qualified: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. After prayer, lots were cast and Matthias was chosen as the twelfth Apostle.
After Pentecost, he went out on mission as the other Apostles did. The New Testament is silent about his subsequent activities. Various traditions place his mission and martyrdom in Ethiopia, Colchis (modern Georgia), or Judea. He was martyred, traditionally by axe or by stoning.
His relics are traditionally said to have been brought to Trier, Germany, by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century. The Abbey of Saint Matthias in Trier preserves them to this day.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Judea (traditional)
Death location: None
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Parishes
No parishes dedicated to Matthias the Apostle have been added to the database yet.
Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| The Inspiring Life Story of Saint Matthias the Apostle | Under 5 minutes | Christian Channel |
| The Story of Saint Matthias the Apostle: The Chosen Witness | Under 5 minutes | Joy of Heaven |
Shrines
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Known shrines
- Abbey of Saint Matthias, Trier, Germany — his relics; active Benedictine monastery; primary Western shrine.
Feast day
May 14
Veneration
Saint Matthias is the Apostle chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26). He is the patron of Germany's ancient city of Trier, where his relics are preserved in the Abbey of Saint Matthias — the only Apostle whose remains are venerated north of the Alps. His feast is May 14.
Prayers
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Intercessory
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