Saint Matthias the Apostle

Who Was Saint Matthias the Apostle?

Saint Matthias the Apostle was chosen to join the Twelve Apostles after the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot. His election is described in Acts 1:15–26, making him one of the few Apostles whose selection is recorded in detail in the New Testament.

Matthias had followed Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry and was qualified to serve as a witness to His Resurrection. According to Orthodox tradition, he was originally numbered among the Seventy Apostles.

After joining the Twelve, Matthias devoted his life to preaching the Gospel. The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates him on August 9.

Where Was Saint Matthias the Apostle From?

According to Orthodox hagiographical tradition, Saint Matthias was born in Bethlehem and belonged to the tribe of Judah.

Traditional accounts describe him as receiving instruction in the Jewish Law and growing up with a deep knowledge of Scripture.

The New Testament does not provide a detailed biography of his childhood or family. Its principal account of Matthias begins with his election in the Book of Acts.

Was Matthias a Disciple of Jesus Before Becoming an Apostle?

Yes. Acts 1:21–22 explains that the person chosen to replace Judas needed to have accompanied the disciples throughout Jesus' earthly ministry, beginning with the baptism of John and continuing until Christ's Ascension.

Matthias fulfilled these requirements, demonstrating that he was already a longtime follower of Jesus.

Although his name does not appear individually in the four Gospels, he was part of the wider community of disciples who knew Christ and witnessed His ministry.

Why Was Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas Iscariot?

After Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and died, the Apostles sought to restore the number of the Twelve.

In Acts 1:15–26, the Apostle Peter addressed the community of believers and explained the need to appoint another witness to the Resurrection.

The number twelve held special significance because of its connection with the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthias was chosen not simply to fill an empty position but to participate in the continuing apostolic mission of proclaiming the risen Christ.

How Was Saint Matthias Chosen by Lot?

The Apostles presented two candidates: Matthias and Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus.

They prayed and asked God, who knows every human heart, to reveal which candidate should receive the apostolic ministry.

Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias (Acts 1:23–26).

He was subsequently numbered among the eleven remaining Apostles, restoring the company of the Twelve.

This biblical event is understood as an expression of trust in divine guidance. It does not establish casting lots as the normal method of selecting Church leaders today.

Who Was Joseph Barsabbas, the Other Candidate?

Joseph Barsabbas, also called Justus, was the other disciple considered for the vacant apostolic position.

Like Matthias, he met the qualifications established by the Apostles and had accompanied the followers of Christ.

Although Matthias was chosen, Joseph remained part of the early Christian community.

The story reminds Christians that faithful service is not limited to holding a particular position within the Church.

Was Saint Matthias One of the Seventy Apostles?

Eastern Orthodox tradition identifies Matthias as one of the Seventy Apostles sent by Jesus to prepare the way for His ministry.

Luke 10:1 describes Christ sending out a larger group of disciples, traditionally numbered among the Seventy.

The Gospel does not provide a complete list of their names, so Matthias's membership among them comes from later Church tradition.

After his election in Acts 1, Matthias became one of the Twelve Apostles.

What Happened to Matthias After Pentecost?

Following the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Apostles began proclaiming the Gospel in Jerusalem and beyond.

Orthodox tradition remembers Matthias as an active missionary who taught about the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Acts does not provide a separate narrative of his later ministry. Most details about his journeys and preaching come from Christian hagiography.

Where Did Saint Matthias Preach the Gospel?

According to Orthodox tradition, Matthias preached in Jerusalem, Judea, and several regions beyond the Holy Land.

Traditional accounts associate his missionary work with places such as:

• Jerusalem and Judea: The center of the earliest Christian community.
• Antioch: An important city in the spread of early Christianity.
• Asia Minor: Including regions associated with the missionary journeys of the Apostles.
• Macedonia: A region mentioned in Orthodox accounts of his preaching.
• Areas associated with Ethiopia or the eastern Black Sea: Locations described differently in later traditions.

These journeys are not documented individually in the New Testament. Their precise routes and chronology remain uncertain.

How Did Saint Matthias the Apostle Die?

Saint Matthias is honored as a martyr who remained faithful to Jesus Christ during persecution.

According to one Orthodox tradition, he returned to Judea, where he was condemned and stoned to death. Other Christian accounts describe crucifixion or place his death in a different region.

His martyrdom is traditionally dated around AD 63, although the precise circumstances and year cannot be independently established.

The Church remembers Matthias for his faithful apostolic witness rather than for any single disputed account of his death.

Is Matthias the Same as Matthew the Apostle?

No. Saint Matthias and Saint Matthew were two different Apostles.

Saint Matthew, also known as Matthew the Evangelist, was a tax collector called by Jesus during His earthly ministry. He is traditionally associated with the Gospel of Matthew.

Saint Matthias was selected after Christ's Ascension to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve.

Their principal Orthodox feast days are different:

• Saint Matthias the Apostle: August 9.
• Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist: November 16.

Learn more in our Guide to Saint Matthew the Apostle.

Did Matthias Replace Judas Iscariot or Saint Paul?

Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot, not Saint Paul.

Acts 1 clearly describes Matthias being selected to fill the vacant place among the Twelve following Judas's betrayal.

Saint Paul later became an Apostle through his encounter with the risen Christ, as described in Acts 9.

Although Paul became one of Christianity's most influential missionaries, the New Testament does not describe him as the disciple chosen to replace Judas.

When Is Saint Matthias the Apostle's Orthodox Feast Day?

The Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Matthias the Apostle on August 9.

Churches following the traditional Julian calendar currently celebrate his fixed feast on August 22 according to the Gregorian civil calendar.

Matthias is also honored with the Twelve Apostles on June 30, the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles.

Orthodox Christians may commemorate him through prayer, participation in church services, and reading Acts 1:15–26.

For guidance on identifying a personal Name Day, read How to Find Your Orthodox Patron Saint.

What Does the Orthodox Icon of Saint Matthias Mean?

Orthodox icons commonly depict Saint Matthias wearing traditional apostolic robes and holding a sacred scroll or book.

Important iconographic elements may include:

• Golden Halo: Represents holiness and life in Christ.
• Apostolic Robes: Identify his calling as one of the Twelve Apostles.
• Gospel Scroll: Symbolizes his mission to proclaim the Gospel.
• Sacred Book: Represents apostolic teaching and faithfulness to Christ.
• Martyr's Cross: In some depictions, recalls his traditional martyrdom.
• Traditional Inscription: Identifies him as Saint Matthias the Apostle.

Since Matthias and Matthew have similar names, the inscription is especially important when identifying their icons.

For more information about sacred imagery, explore our Beginner's Guide to Orthodox Icons.

What Can Orthodox Christians Learn From Saint Matthias?

The life of Saint Matthias offers important lessons about faith and Christian discipleship.

• Faithfulness: Follow Christ consistently, even without public recognition.
• Humility: Serve God without seeking personal honor.
• Prayer: Seek God's guidance before important decisions.
• Obedience: Accept responsibilities with sincerity and dedication.
• Courage: Remain faithful despite opposition.
• Perseverance: Continue the Christian mission through difficulties.

Matthias reminds believers that faithful service may begin long before a person receives public recognition or a particular responsibility.

How Do Orthodox Christians Pray to Saint Matthias?

Orthodox Christians honor Saint Matthias as a holy Apostle and martyr and may ask for his intercession before God.

A simple personal prayer may be offered:

O holy and glorious Apostle Matthias, faithful witness of our Lord Jesus Christ and chosen servant of His Church, pray to God for us. Strengthen our faith, guide us toward humility and obedience, and help us follow Christ with courage and perseverance. Teach us to seek God's will in our decisions and to serve others with sincere love. Through your holy prayers, may we remain steadfast in the Gospel of our Savior. Amen.

This is a personal devotional prayer rather than an official liturgical text.

Choosing a Saint Matthias Orthodox Icon or Christian Gift

An icon of Saint Matthias the Apostle can be a meaningful addition to an Orthodox home prayer corner, especially for Christians inspired by his faithfulness and willingness to serve Christ.

It may also be an appropriate Baptism or Name Day gift for someone whose patron saint is Matthias.

Before choosing an icon, confirm whether the recipient's patron is Matthias or Matthew, since the names are similar but refer to different Apostles.

Explore the Orthodox Apostle Icons Collection at Mercy Fold for traditional images of Christ's Apostles.

You can also browse Orthodox Saint Icons and Orthodox Christian Books for meaningful gifts and spiritual reading.

For additional guidance, read Can Orthodox Icons Be Given as Gifts?

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Matthias the Apostle

Who Was Saint Matthias the Apostle?

Saint Matthias was a follower of Jesus Christ who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve Apostles, as described in Acts 1:15–26.

Why Was Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas?

Matthias was qualified to become an apostolic witness because he had followed Jesus during His earthly ministry and could testify to His Resurrection.

How Was Matthias Chosen as an Apostle?

The Apostles prayed and cast lots between Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas. The lot fell to Matthias, who was then numbered among the Twelve.

Was Matthias One of the Original Twelve Apostles?

No. Matthias joined the Twelve after Judas Iscariot's death. According to Orthodox tradition, he had previously belonged to the Seventy Apostles.

Who Was Joseph Barsabbas?

Joseph Barsabbas, also known as Justus, was the other disciple considered for the apostolic position filled by Matthias.

Is Matthias the Same as Matthew the Evangelist?

No. Matthew was a tax collector called by Jesus and traditionally associated with the first Gospel. Matthias was chosen after the Ascension to replace Judas Iscariot.

Did Matthias Preach in Ethiopia?

Some Christian traditions associate Matthias with preaching in Ethiopia, while other Orthodox accounts connect his missionary work with regions around the eastern Black Sea. The precise location is uncertain.

How Was Saint Matthias Martyred?

One Orthodox tradition describes his death by stoning in Judea. Other traditions describe crucifixion or a different location. The New Testament does not record his death.

When Is Saint Matthias's Orthodox Feast Day?

His principal Orthodox feast day is August 9, corresponding to August 22 on the civil calendar for churches following the Julian calendar in the twenty-first century.

Can Saint Matthias Be an Orthodox Patron Saint?

Yes. Saint Matthias may be honored as a baptismal patron saint. Because his name is similar to Matthew, the specific patron should be confirmed through family or parish tradition.

Remembering Saint Matthias the Apostle

Saint Matthias holds an important place in Orthodox Christianity as the Apostle chosen to restore the company of the Twelve after the betrayal of Judas Iscariot.

His life demonstrates faithful discipleship, humility, prayer, and devotion to the mission of the Church.

His example reminds Christians that serving Christ requires perseverance and a willingness to follow God's calling.

Explore the Orthodox Apostle Icons Collection and discover spiritual reading through Orthodox Christian Books at Mercy Fold.