ST. JUDE THADDEUS (OCT. 28TH)
A Contemporary Icon of St. Jude Thaddeus, Combining Characteristics of Both Eastern and Western Iconography By Bp. Joseph ( Ancient Church of the West ) In the time when our Lord Jesus Christ walked in Galilee, Jude Thaddeus, son of Clopas and cousin to the Savior, was chosen among the Twelve. Known for his zeal and steadfastness, St. Jude was of Jewish lineage, and his name, Thaddeus, meaning "heart" or "courageous," spoke to his character. From the outset, he bore an ardent devotion to Christ, setting aside all for the Gospel. The Gospels recount little of Jude’s deeds during Christ’s earthly ministry, but tradition holds that following Pentecost, Jude was appointed to proclaim the Good News to Mesopotamia, and particularly to Edessa, a city in need of salvation. The King of Edessa, Abgar the Black, afflicted by a grave illness, had sent word to Christ for healing. After our Lord’s ascension, Jude traveled to Edessa, carrying with him the very words and image of ...
