Roman Catholic Saint. Also called Levi (in the "Gospel According to Mark"), he was the son of Alphaeus, also known as Cleopas, and the brother of the apostle James the Less. Matthew's mother, Mary, also a disciple of Jesus, must have been close to Jesus' mother, for when Jesus died both Mary's were at the foot of the cross together. By profession, Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman government before choosing to follow Jesus; a job considered dishonourable and disloyal by the Jews, in the same class as sinners, murderers, thieves and harlots. Tradition has that he inspired ("wrote") the "Gospel According to Matthew" whose real author is thought to have lived in Antioch, Syria, around the year 80. The time and manner of his death are unknown, but legend has that he was martyred in Ethiopia or in Hierapolis of Parthia, and his body brought to Salerno (Italy) in the 10th century. Some other legends say that he died on his way to India and was buried in one of Christian monasteries on the shore of lake Issyk-Kul in northern Kyrgyzstan. Reckoned relics of his body are kept in various churches in Rome, such as S. Maria Maggiore (section of an arm), S. Prassede, S. Nicola in Carcere, and Ss. Apostoli. Since the 12th century an asserted tomb of the apostle can be found in the Benedictine St. Matthias Abbey in Trier, Germany. He is recognized as a Saint in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Roman Catholic Saint. Also called Levi (in the "Gospel According to Mark"), he was the son of Alphaeus, also known as Cleopas, and the brother of the apostle James the Less. Matthew's mother, Mary, also a disciple of Jesus, must have been close to Jesus' mother, for when Jesus died both Mary's were at the foot of the cross together. By profession, Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman government before choosing to follow Jesus; a job considered dishonourable and disloyal by the Jews, in the same class as sinners, murderers, thieves and harlots. Tradition has that he inspired ("wrote") the "Gospel According to Matthew" whose real author is thought to have lived in Antioch, Syria, around the year 80. The time and manner of his death are unknown, but legend has that he was martyred in Ethiopia or in Hierapolis of Parthia, and his body brought to Salerno (Italy) in the 10th century. Some other legends say that he died on his way to India and was buried in one of Christian monasteries on the shore of lake Issyk-Kul in northern Kyrgyzstan. Reckoned relics of his body are kept in various churches in Rome, such as S. Maria Maggiore (section of an arm), S. Prassede, S. Nicola in Carcere, and Ss. Apostoli. Since the 12th century an asserted tomb of the apostle can be found in the Benedictine St. Matthias Abbey in Trier, Germany. He is recognized as a Saint in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
Bio by: F G
Gravesite Details
Saint Matthew is the Patron Saint of:
Accountants
Actors
Bankers
Bookkeepers
Tax collectors
Taxi Drivers
His symbol is the lion.
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