Two pillars of faith, two main apostles, two completely different characters. Sincere, ardent Peter, once a simple fisherman who followed Christ. And the son of noble parents, “the scribe and the Pharisee”, a Roman citizen Paul. Peter was a witness of the first miracles of Jesus (Christ even healed his mother-in-law), an eyewitness of the Transfiguration and the suffering of Christ on the Cross. Paul, who was at first a persecutor of Christians, had already met the Risen Christ. And both are tireless and passionate preachers of Christianity, both were martyred for their faith in Rome. It is not known whether the apostles died on the same day or whether Paul was executed a year after Peter’s death. The day of their execution became the day of their memory, their celebration – in the Orthodox Church this day is celebrated July 12 (June 29 according to the Julian calendar).
history of the holiday
Simon (this is the name Peter received at birth) was born into a simple family of fishermen and became a fisherman himself. The main event in his life happened when brother Andrew introduced him to Jesus. Peter (which means “rock”, “stone” – that’s what Christ himself called him) became a participant in many gospel events. He was with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, protecting the Mentor from those who came with Judas. On the same terrible night, he denied Jesus three times, but found the strength to repent and was later forgiven by Christ. After the Resurrection of his Teacher and the descent of the Holy Spirit, he, like the rest of the apostles, went around the world to tell people about Christ. Peter converted thousands of people to Christianity; in the book “Acts of the Apostles” it is said that the sick were carried out into the streets so that at least the shadow of Peter would touch them – the apostle was glorified with such extraordinary healing power.
According to legend, the disciples asked Peter to leave Rome, fearing for his life, but on the way out of the city the apostle met Christ. To the question “Where are you going, Lord?” Jesus answered, “Since you are leaving my people, I am going to Rome, to a new crucifixion.” And Peter remained in Rome, and, sentenced to death by crucifixion, insisted on being crucified upside down, believing that he was not worthy to die in the same way as Jesus.
Saul – the future apostle Paul – was a persecutor of Christians. One day, when Saul was on his way to Damascus on business, the Lord himself spoke to him. The traveler saw a bright light that blinded him and heard: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” To the question “Who are you?” the future apostle was answered: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” The same voice told the blind man to continue his journey to Damascus, which he did with the help of his companions. In this city, Saul was baptized three days later, having received his sight while immersed in water. Since then, he has become a zealous disciple and preacher of Christ.
Paul had to go to prison more than once for his sermons. And when the apostle was arrested in Rome, he was sentenced to beheading. The convict was not crucified only because he had the rights of a Roman citizen.
Memorial Day of Peter and Paul was already revered by the early Christians. And with the appearance in 324 of the first temples erected in honor of the apostles, the day of their memory acquired the status of a great holiday. By the way, the first icon depicting the apostles brought to soil is still kept in the Novgorod St. Sophia Cathedral.