Hieromartyr Symeon, kinsman of the Lord, second Bishop of Jerusalem

Commemorated on April 27

The Holy Apostle and Hieromartyr Symeon, a kinsman of the Lord, was the son of Cleopas, younger brother of Saint Joseph the Betrothed. In his adolescent years he beheld the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ, believed in Him and became one of the 70 Disciples. Saint Symeon preached the teachings of Christ, exhorted the truths of holy faith and denounced idol-worship. After the killing of the holy Apostle James, the first bishop of Jerusalem (+ 63, Comm. 23 October) – in his place the Christians chose the holy Disciple Symeon. During the reign of emperor Trajan (98-117) it was reported to the Roman governor Atticus that Saint Symeon was descended from the lineage of King David (the Romans exterminated all the descendants of King David) and was confessing the Christian faith. The pagans seized hold of Saint Symeon, who at that time was already an hundred year old man, and after lengthy torture they crucified him on a cross.

Hieromartyr Symeon, kinsman of the Lord, second Bishop of Jerusalem