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Saint Matthias the Apostle
The apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, completing the Twelve and witnessing to Christ's resurrection
The apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, completing the Twelve and witnessing to Christ's resurrection
Saint Matthias holds the unique distinction of being chosen by lot and the Holy Spirit to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve Apostles after Christ’s Ascension. His selection, recorded in Acts 1:15-26, demonstrates the early Church’s commitment to maintaining the apostolic witness and the symbolic completeness of the Twelve.
Peter established the criteria for Judas’s replacement: the candidate must have accompanied Jesus throughout His entire earthly ministry, from John’s baptism to the Ascension, and be a witness to the Resurrection. Matthias met these qualifications perfectly, having been among the wider circle of disciples who followed Christ from the beginning.
Though not mentioned by name in the Gospels, Matthias was likely among the seventy disciples sent out by Jesus (Luke 10:1-20). He witnessed Christ’s teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection appearances, making him fully qualified to bear apostolic witness.
When the time came to fill the vacancy in the Twelve, the disciples proposed two candidates: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Rather than voting or making the decision themselves, they prayed: “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry.”
They cast lots, an ancient practice for discerning God’s will, and the lot fell to Matthias. This was not mere chance but divine selection, as the early Church understood that God directed the outcome. Matthias was then numbered with the eleven apostles, restoring the Twelve to completeness before Pentecost.
According to tradition, Matthias preached the Gospel in Judea and later in regions including Cappadocia, Ethiopia, and along the shores of the Caspian Sea. He proclaimed Christ’s resurrection with the same authority as the other apostles, having been an eyewitness to the risen Lord.
Church tradition records that Matthias performed many miracles and converted numerous people to Christianity. His teaching emphasized Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the reality of the Resurrection, themes central to early apostolic preaching.
Saint Matthias is believed to have been martyred for his faith, though accounts vary. Some traditions say he was stoned to death in Jerusalem, while others record that he was beheaded or crucified. Regardless of the specific manner, he sealed his apostolic witness with his blood.
His relics were eventually brought to Rome and are venerated in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The Church commemorates him on August 9 (Byzantine tradition) or May 14 (Western tradition).
Matthias’s selection carries profound meaning for the Church. It demonstrates that apostolic authority comes not from human ambition but from divine calling. His story shows that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted—even Judas’s betrayal could not prevent the completion of the Twelve.
Furthermore, Matthias reminds us that faithful discipleship often goes unrecorded in earthly chronicles but is fully known to God. He served Christ faithfully in obscurity before being called to apostolic prominence, teaching us that God sees and values all faithful service.
Saint Matthias is invoked as a patron of those struggling with alcoholism and of those seeking God’s will in difficult decisions. His selection by lot makes him a natural intercessor for discernment and divine guidance.
Troparion (Tone 3): O Holy Apostle Matthias, intercede with the merciful God that He grant our souls forgiveness of sins.
Saint Matthias the Apostle stands as a witness that God completes what He begins, that faithful discipleship is never wasted, and that divine calling can come at unexpected moments to those who have prepared themselves through years of faithful following.