Saint Philip the Apostle
Stored in Cargo: Saint Philip the Apostle
| Saint Philip the Apostle | |
| Feast Day | May 03 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Hatters, pastry chefs, Luxembourg, Uruguay |
| Birthplace | Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Judea (now Israel) |
| Death Place | Hierapolis, Phrygia, Roman Empire (now Pamukkale, Turkey) |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (crucifixion or stoning) |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of the Holy Apostles, Rome, Italy (traditional) |
Saint Philip the Apostle, born in the early 1st century in Bethsaida, Galilee, was one of Christ’s Twelve Apostles, known for his practical faith and missionary zeal. Called by Jesus (John 1:43), he brought Nathanael to the fold and questioned the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:5-7), showing a pragmatic streak. After Pentecost, tradition holds he preached in Greece, Syria, and Phrygia, converting many with his daughters—reputed prophetesses—before his martyrdom around 80 AD in Hierapolis, where he was crucified upside-down or stoned, per early accounts like the *Acts of Philip*. His death crowned a life of witness.
Canonized pre-Congregation, Philip’s feast day, May 3 (shared with James the Lesser since 1955), honors his apostolic legacy, with his relics traditionally in Rome’s Basilica of the Holy Apostles alongside James’s—moved from Hierapolis, per legend. Patron of hatters, pastry chefs, Luxembourg, and Uruguay, his cross and bread reflect Gospel moments, though his life’s details blur in Scripture (John 12:21-22, Acts 1:13). Venerated across Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions, Philip’s quiet service and martyrdom echo as a cornerstone of the early Church.
Biography
Birth
Saint Philip was born in the early 1st century AD in Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Judea, to unknown parents—likely Jewish fishermen or traders. No exact date survives; his birth near the Sea of Galilee tied him to Peter and Andrew. Bethsaida’s shores shaped his origin.
His early life is a blank slate, an Apostle rising from a fishing town to Christ’s call.
Early Life
Philip’s youth is undocumented; a Galilean Jew, he likely fished or worked locally before Jesus called him directly (John 1:43), saying, “Follow me.” He introduced Nathanael (John 1:45), saw Christ’s miracles—like the loaves (John 6:5-7)—and stayed post-Resurrection, present at Pentecost (Acts 1:13).
His early life was discipleship, a practical man turned missionary. Philip’s formative years linked him to Christ’s inner circle.
Occupation
Philip’s occupation was as an Apostle, chosen by Jesus to preach and witness. Post-Pentecost, he evangelized Phrygia and Asia Minor, per Eusebius and the *Acts of Philip*, with his daughters aiding his mission. Around 80 AD, he was martyred in Hierapolis—crucified or stoned—for his faith.
His work was spreading the Gospel, ending in death. Philip’s occupation was an Apostle’s labor, sealed in martyrdom.
Vocation
Philip’s vocation began with Christ’s call, an Apostle tasked with sharing salvation. From c. 30 AD, he bridged Jews and Gentiles—Greeks sought him (John 12:21)—and post-33 AD, preached widely. His martyrdom c. 80, tied to a cross or stoned, fulfilled this destiny, a missionary’s end.
His vocation climaxed in Hierapolis, dying for Christ. Philip’s life was a disciple’s outreach to the nations.
Death
Saint Philip met his end around 80 AD in Hierapolis, Phrygia, martyred by crucifixion—upside-down, per tradition—or stoning, per the *Acts of Philip*. Preaching there, he was seized by pagans or Jews, dying with his daughters nearby, buried locally—relics later moved to Rome.
His death birthed veneration, his tomb a sacred echo. Philip’s martyrdom closed a life of apostolic fire.
Significant events
- Called by Jesus, c. 30 AD (John 1:43).
- Martyred in Hierapolis, c. 80 AD.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Judea (now Israel)
Death location: Hierapolis, Phrygia, Roman Empire (now Pamukkale, Turkey)
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Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
Canonization
Servant of God
No “Servant of God” process in 80; Philip’s veneration began post-martyrdom in Hierapolis and Jerusalem, tied to his apostolic role.
Venerable
No Venerable status then; his sanctity was immediate, not staged.
Beatification
No distinct beatification in the 1st century; his sainthood grew organically.
Canonization
Canonized pre-Congregation, likely by the 4th century, affirmed by early Church tradition, rooted in Scripture and martyrdom.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No beatification miracle; veneration rested on martyrdom.
Miracle for canonization
No miracles required then; his sainthood stemmed from his apostolic witness.
Other notable miracles
- No specific miracles; his preaching conversions were his legacy.
Patronage
Saint Philip the Apostle is patron of hatters, pastry chefs, Luxembourg, and Uruguay.
Feast day
The feast day of Saint Philip the Apostle is celebrated on May 3 (with Saint James the Lesser).
Veneration
Saint Philip is venerated through prayers for evangelists, tied to the Basilica of the Holy Apostles in Rome, where his relics rest with James’s. With a cross or bread, his cult is steady, his May 3 feast a nod to an Apostle’s missionary heart across traditions.
Books
Written about the saint
- *Acts of Philip* (apocryphal, 4th century)
- Eusebius, *Ecclesiastical History* (Book III)
Written by the saint
- No writings survive.