Apostle James (son of Zebedee)

Life

The holy, glorious, all-laudible Apostle James was the brother of the Apostle John and a fisherman. At the invitation of Jesus he left his nets to follow Him and is counted among the Twelve Great Apostles. Belonging to Christ's 'inner circle', James was present on Mount Tabor for Christ's transfiguration and also for His suffering in the garden of Gethsemane. Following Pentacost, St. James preached in Spain and upon his return to Jerusalem the Jews would argue with him vehemently concering the Holy Scriptures. None could withstand his wisdom, however.

Martyrdom

Seeing this the Jews slandered him before Herod and among some false witnesses there was a certain Josias. But in hearing St. James testimony, Josias believed and was condemned to death with St. James. Before the axe fell, St. James embraced and kissed this repentant false witness and said, 'Peace and forgiveness to you!'. St. James was martyred in the year 45 AD. His body was translated to Spain where his relics continue to work miracles even to this day.

Feast Day

The Church remembers St. James on April 30

Source

St. Nikolai Velimirovic, The Prologue of Ohrid