St. James

 

St. James the Apostle, also known as James, son of Zebedee, was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Here's a brief biography:

- Born: Bethsaida, Galilee (1st century AD)

- Brother of John the Apostle

- Fisherman by trade

- Called by Jesus to be an apostle (Matthew 4:21-22, Mark 1:19-20)

- Part of Jesus' inner circle, along with Peter and John (Matthew 17:1, Mark 5:37, 9:2, 14:33)

- Martyred in Jerusalem (44 AD) by beheading, during the reign of King Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2)

- Buried in Santiago de Compostela, Spain (according to tradition)

- Feast day: July 25 (Western Christianity), April 30 (Eastern Christianity)

St. James is often referred to as "James the Greater" to distinguish him from another apostle, James, son of Alphaeus. He's the patron saint of Spain, and his shrine in Santiago de Compostela is a famous pilgrimage site.