The Virgin Nativity Cathedral
Cupola, drum and pendentives

St. Matthew

One of the 12 apostles, author of the first of the four canonical Gospels. He was a publican (tax collector) when Jesus called him to be his disciple (Matthew 9:9). After the ascension of Jesus Christ he preached to Jews in Jerusalem for 15 years, and then he went to preach in Persia (according to other sources, to Ethiopia) where he was martyred. Feast day: 16 (29) November.
It is also depicted in the evangelic compositions and the Last Judgement scenes.