Duodecim Apostoli

Apostle · Bishop of Jerusalem

Given name

James (son of Alphaeus)

Feast day

May 3 (with Saint Philip)

Symbols

Fuller's club · saw

Death

Thrown from the Temple pinnacle and clubbed to death, c. AD 62

Called “the Less” to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, he is often identified with James the “brother of the Lord” who led the Church in Jerusalem. He presided over the Council of Jerusalem and wrote the decree read by Paul.

James answered, saying… “It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” (Acts 15:13–28)