St. John the Apostle

Feastday: 23 December
Born: 11 AD
Death: 99 AD
Patron Saint of: loyalty, love, friendships, authors, burn/poison victims, art, scholars

Saint John was one of the twelve apostles of Christ and was born the son of a Galilean fisherman, named Zebedee. Together he and his brother James were amongst the first to join Christ in his journey. John is mentioned in the Gospels as being present at many of the key events in Jesus’ life, including the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.

He is often referred to as the “beloved disciple whom Jesus loved” and wrote several books in the New Testament of the bible with the Gospel of John, the three letters of 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and the book of Revelation. He is often depicted in art and literature as an elderly man with a flowing beard, and is commonly associated with the eagle, which symbolizes his soaring spiritual insights.

After the death of Jesus, John is believed to have traveled throughout the region, spreading the message of the Gospel and helping to establish Christian communities. He is also played a key role in the early Church, serving as a leader and mentor to many new believers.

Interesting Fact: Both James and John were referred by Jesus as Boanerges ("sons of thunder") for their zealousness and loyalty to Christ. (Mark 3:17) In Luke 9:54, when the Jesus was rejected by villagers trying to find shelter whilst travelling through Samaria, the brothers suggested to "call fire down from heaven to destroy them". Of course they swiftly rebuked by Jesus and they went on to another village.