St. Matthew Icon

Seeing Matthew the publican sitting at the receipt of custom and collecting taxes from the people, Jesus called him to "Follow Me," and Matthew left all and followed him. The publicans were abhorred by the Jews as the enemies of their country and the friends of the Romans. So Saint Matthew made a great feast to which he invited Jesus and the other disciples, and a number of publicans, who eagerly listened to Christ.

After the Ascension Saint Matthew remained some years in Judea, where he wrote his Gospel, teaching his countryman that Jesus was the true Messiah foretold by the prophets. After preaching the faith in many lands, he met a martyr's death.

Saint of: accountants, bookkeepers, bankers .