Who was St. Bartholomew?

St. Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, is a figure shrouded in mystery and reverence. Also known as Nathanael in the New Testament, he is introduced in the Gospel of John (1:45-51) as a man of great honesty and simplicity. Jesus Himself described Bartholomew as "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit."

His missionary journey, as per Christian tradition, extended to various parts of Asia, including India and Armenia. In India, he is said to have left a copy of the Gospel of Matthew, while in Armenia, he is believed to have converted the king, which led to his martyrdom. The nature of his martyrdom is a subject of varied accounts, with the most widely accepted being that he was flayed alive and then beheaded, which is why he is often depicted in art with a large knife and his own skin.

St. Bartholomew's feast day is celebrated on August 24th in the Western Church and June 11th in the Eastern Church. He is the patron saint of tanners, leather workers, and bookbinders, signifying his enduring legacy in the Christian faith.

His life exemplifies unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the teachings of Jesus. The church named in his honor continues this mission, embodying the spirit of St. Bartholomew's devotion and sacrifice.