today

James of Jerusalem, Bishop and Martyr — James, called the Just and known in Scripture as the Lord's brother, became the first leader of the church at Jerusalem and one of the most respected men in the city, honoured by believers and by many who did not believe alike. Paul names him among the pillars of the church, and Acts shows him presiding at the Jerusalem Council. He was killed in Jerusalem around AD 62, stoned at the order of the high priest Ananus. His feast is October 23.

in 5 days

Simon and Jude, two of the Twelve, are kept together on October 28. Simon carries the surname "the Zealot," and Jude, also called Thaddaeus, asked Jesus a question at the Last Supper, to which Jesus replied: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” The New Testament says little more of either man, but the church has long believed that they carried the gospel together into Persia and died together for it. Because of their share ministry and martyrdom she keeps them on one feast together as the served. Jude is remembered above all as the friend of hopeless causes, the apostle many Christians remember when every other door seems shut.