St. James, the Just

The first Christian Martyrdom, of St. Stephen 33 A.D. caused many to flee from the persecution in Jerusalem.

St. James was made the first bishop of Jerusalem by the apostles, (55-60 A.D.) where he presided over the Jerusalem Council. He is most known for spiritual and theological writings of the Church in affirming the completion of faith by works.

It was the Jews who called this bishop of the church, "Just"! The only fault they could find in him was that he confessed Jesus to be the Messiah. It is thought that St. James was converted by a post resurrection appearance of Christ. The "brother," or kinsman, of our Lord, St. James, was the leader of the local church. Peter departed from Jerusalem to escape Herod Agrippa's persecution. (The other James, one of the twelve, had already been martyred).

This James, is the "brother" of the Lord as attested to in (Matthew 13:55-56). The Lord Jesus, is the son of Mary, ever-virgin. Joseph, her husband had been previously married, thus St. James may have been a half-brother, (relative not blood brother). Quite a different story from the Christmas card depicting Mary, the young Joseph and Jesus. It is more the aged Joseph.

At the cross, Jesus commits His mother to the care of His disciple John, which would have been a crime against tradition had she had another child to care for her. (Verifying that Jesus was her only Son).

On Wednesday, St. Michael's Church will celebrate the Liturgy of St. Jame's, at 6:30 PM. October 23 is the remembrance of his martyrdom, having been thrown from the temple walls, by the prompting of the Sanhedrin, and clubbed to death.

This is a very special night, and this ancient Liturgy is only celebrated once a year. Hope to see you there.