(† c. 63), righteous apostle, one of the 70, son of Mary’s betrothed Joseph. Upon Christ’s resurrection he headed the Christian community together with Peter and John, was chosen first bishop of the Church of Jerusalem and presided over the Council of Jerusalem. He composed the Divine Liturgy that was used as the basis for liturgies by Basil the Great and John Chrysostomos. The Epistle of St. James is included into the New Testament. He died a martyr’s death when he was thrown down from the roof of the Jerusalem temple and then stoned by the Pharissees and the Scribes. Feast day: 23 October (5 November).
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