St. Matthias
St. Matthias
When They Lived
St. Matthias is believed to have lived during the 1st century AD. His exact birth and death dates are not
precisely known, but he is often associated with the time of Jesus Christ and the early days of the Christian
Church.
Where They Lived
St. Matthias is traditionally associated with various locations in the Eastern Mediterranean region, particularly
in the areas around Jerusalem and Judea. He is often mentioned in the context of the early Christian community
in Jerusalem.
Notable World Events During Their Time
- Roman Occupation: St. Matthias lived during a time of Roman rule over a significant
portion of the known world. The influence of the Roman Empire was felt in various aspects of daily life, from
politics and governance to culture and trade. - Death of Jesus Christ: St. Matthias was said to have been chosen as an apostle to replace
Judas Iscariot after Judas betrayed Jesus Christ. This event is significant not only in Christian theology
but also in the broader context of the early Christian movement. - Spread of Christianity: St. Matthias was a witness to the rapid expansion of Christianity
from its humble beginnings in Jerusalem to other parts of the Roman Empire. This period marked the initial
stages of a religious movement that would have profound historical implications. - Nero’s Persecution: St. Matthias lived during a time when early Christians faced sporadic
but intense persecution. The most infamous of these persecutions was carried out by the Roman Emperor Nero,
who blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. - Pax Romana: St. Matthias lived during a period known as the Pax Romana, a relatively
peaceful and stable era within the Roman Empire. This stability facilitated the movement of people, ideas,
and goods across vast distances. - Emergence of Rabbinic Judaism: During St. Matthias’s lifetime, Judaism was undergoing
transformations following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. The emergence of Rabbinic Judaism as
a central form of Jewish religious expression was an important development during this time. - Early Scientific Progress: While not directly related to St. Matthias, the 1st century AD
saw some scientific advancements, including progress in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.
These advancements laid the groundwork for future discoveries.
Patronage
St. Matthias is commonly recognized as the patron saint of tailors, carpenters, and those who work with
alcohol. His patronage of these diverse professions reflects his role as an apostle and his association with
various aspects of daily life and work. The choice of patronage also serves as a reminder of the
interconnectedness of faith, vocation, and the everyday activities of people.
The Life of St. Matthias
Matthias, whose name means gift of God, was born in the 1st Century in Judea, in the Roman Empire. According to the book of Acts in the Bible,Matthias had been with Jesus from his baptism by John until his ascension, even though he was not mentioned in the list of Jesus disciples.
The appointment of Matthias as an Apostle was made after Jesus had ascended into heaven and before the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the early church. Peter had proposed to the disciples the nomination of two men to replace Judas Iscariot, and they chose Joseph, called Barnabas, and Matthias.
After praying to God for guidance in choosing an Apostle, they cast lots. The lot fell to Matthias, signaling that he was now the 12th apostle of Jesus Christ. Soon after his election, Matthias received the Holy Spirit with other apostles, as stated in Acts 2:1–4.
Ministry
The Acts of the Apostles state that Matthias ministered in Judaea and then carried missions to foreign places. According to Greek tradition, he Christianized Cappadocia, a mountain district in central Turkey.
He also preached in Aethiopia, in the region of Colchis, which is now modern-day Georgia. That is the place where Matthias was stoned, according to Nicephorus, the Greek historian.
The Synopsis of Dorotheus states that Matthias preached the Gospel to barbarians and meat-eaters in the interior of Ethiopia, where the sea harbor of Hyssus is located.
As he was preaching the Gospel message, Matthias emphasized the importance of self-control. For people to experience the peace and joy that God intends, Matthias said, they must subordinate their physical desires to their spiritual desires.
He used to teach people that the physical body is only temporary and is subject to many temptations to sin and illnesses. However, the spiritual soul is permanent and able to discipline the body for good purposes. Matthias preached that the Holy Spirit would empower people to exercise self-control over their unhealthy physical desires so that they could experience good health in their bodies and souls.
Death of Matthias
Matthias died in the year 80 AD. However, there is conflicting information about the place of death and burial site of Matthias. The Synopsis of Dorotheus tradition claims that Matthias died at Sebastopolis and was buried near the Temple of the Sun. Another tradition maintains that he was stoned in Jerusalem by the local people and beheaded.
The Hippolytus of Rome tradition states that Matthias died of old age in Jerusalem. According to Nicephorus, a marker placed in the ruins of the Roman fortress at Gonio in the modern Georgian region of Adjara claims that Matthias is buried at that site.
There is a claim that the remains of St. Matthias were taken to Italy by Empress Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. The other part of these remains is said to have been taken to the Abbey of Santa Giustina in Padua, and the other part is in the Abbey of St. Matthias in Trier, Germany.
Feast Day
St. Matthias’ feast day is celebrated on May 14. Initially, in the 11th-century Roman Calendar, the feast was celebrated on February 24, and during leap years, it was celebrated on February 25. When the General Roman calendar was revised in 1969, the day of the feast was transferred to May 14 to avoid celebrating it in Lent.
However, the Eastern Rites of the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrate the feast on August 9. The Western Rite parishes of the Orthodox Church are still following the Old Roman Rite of February 24 and 25 in leap years.
The Church of England’s Book of Common Prayer, as well as other older common prayer books in the Anglican Communion, celebrate Feast Day on February 24. The same applies to the Episcopal Church, the Lutheran Church of Missouri Synod, and the Lutheran Church of Canada.
Patronage
St. Matthias is the Patron saint of alcoholics, carpenters, and tailors; Gary, Indiana; Great Falls-Billings, Montana; smallpox; hope; and perseverance.
3 Interesting Facts About St. Matthias
- He was an Apostle who replaced Judas Iscariot.
- Even as an Apostle of Jesus, St. Matthias is only mentioned in the
book of Acts and nowhere else in the New Testament. - He was one of the 72 disciples whom Jesus sent out to preach the gospel.
News.
Prayer to St. Matthias
O Glorious Saint Matthias, in God’s design it fell upon you to take the place of the unfortunate Judas who betrayed his Master. You were selected by the twofold sign of the uprightness of your life and the call of the Holy Spirit. Obtain for us the grace to practice the same uprightness of life and to be called by that same Spirit to the wholehearted service of the Church. Then, after a life of zeal and good works, let us be ushered into your company in heaven to sing forever the praises of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
