ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST (NOV. 16TH)

A Contemporary Russian Icon of St. Mathew the Evangelist 

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

Introduction

St. Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel. Born in the 1st century AD in Capernaum, a town on the Sea of Galilee, he was a tax collector by profession, a role often despised by his fellow Jews for its association with Roman oppression and corruption. Yet, it was from this very station in life that Christ called him, transforming a sinner into a saint and a betrayer into a herald of the Kingdom.

A Call from the Master

As Matthew sat at the tax booth, Jesus passed by and said to him, “Follow Me.” Without hesitation, Matthew rose, leaving behind his livelihood and all its worldly enticements, to become a disciple of Christ (Matthew 9:9). In an act of profound gratitude and repentance, Matthew hosted a banquet in honor of his new Master, inviting fellow tax collectors and sinners. When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for dining with such outcasts, Christ declared, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17).

Preaching the Gospel

After the Resurrection, Matthew dedicated his life to spreading the Good News. Tradition holds that he first preached in Judea before traveling to distant lands, including Ethiopia and Persia. In each place, he proclaimed the message of salvation, established Christian communities, and performed miracles that confirmed the truth of his preaching. Among his most enduring contributions is his Gospel, written to reveal Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the promised Messiah of Israel.

Miracles and Martyrdom

St. Matthew's ministry was accompanied by many signs and wonders. In Ethiopia, he healed the sick, exorcised demons, and even raised the dead. His preaching converted many, including the king and his family. However, his success also provoked opposition. In one account, he was martyred while celebrating the Divine Liturgy, sealing his witness with his blood.

Patronage and Veneration

St. Matthew is revered as the patron saint of tax collectors, accountants, and financial professionals. His Gospel remains a cornerstone of the Church's teaching, providing profound insight into Christ’s life, His parables, and the Sermon on the Mount. The Church commemorates St. Matthew on November 16th, honoring his unwavering dedication to Christ and his pivotal role in the foundation of the Christian faith.

COLLECT

ALMIGHTY GOD, Who by Thy blessed Son didst call Matthew from the receipt of custom to be an apostle and evangelist: Grant us grace to forsake all covetous desires and inordinate love of riches, that we may follow the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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