Remembering St. Jude Thaddaeus, the Apostle (19th August)

In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen.

Introduction

On August 19th, we remember one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus and considered as the founding father and first Catholicos-Patriarch of Armenian Orthodox Church – St. Jude. He is generally identified as Thaddeus, and is also variously called Judas Thaddaeus, Jude Thaddaeus, Jude of James, or Lebbaeus. He is sometimes identified with Jude, the brother of Jesus, but is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus prior to his crucifixion.

Catholic writer Michal Hunt suggests that Judas Thaddaeus became known as Jude after early translators of the New Testament from Greek into English sought to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot and subsequently abbreviated his forename. Most versions of the New Testament in languages other than English and French refer to Judas and Jude by the same name.

The Armenian Apostolic Church honors Thaddeus along with Saint Bartholomew as its patron saints.

Jude is commonly attributed with a club. He is also often shown in icons with a flame around his head. This represents his presence at Pentecost, when he received the Holy Spirit with the other apostles. Another common attribute is Jude holding an image of Jesus Christ, known as the Image of Edessa. In some instances, he may be shown with a scroll or a book (the Epistle of Jude) or holding a carpenter’s rule.

Identity

New Testament

Jude is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, another apostle and later the betrayer of Jesus. Both Jude and Judas are translations of the name Ὶούδας in the Koine Greek language original text of the New Testament, which in turn is a Greek variant of Judah (Y’hudah), a name which was common among Jews at the time.

Aside from Judas Iscariot, the New Testament mentions Jude or Judas six times, in four different contexts:

1. “Jude of James”, one of the twelve apostles (Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13);
2. “Judas, (not Judas Iscariot)”, apparently an apostle (John 14:22);
3. the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3);
4. the writer of the Epistle of Jude, who identifies himself as “the brother of James” (Jude 1).

Jude – Brother of Jesus?

Gospel of St. Mark 6:3 names James, Joses, Judas (conventionally known in English as Jude) and Simon as the brothers of Jesus, and Gospel of Matthew 13:55, which probably used Mark as its source, gives the same names in different order, James, Joseph, Simon and Judas.

Opinion is divided on whether Jude the apostle was also Jude, brother of Jesus, the traditional author of the Epistle of Jude.

But writings from the earliest Christian fathers refute this claim. According to the surviving fragments of the work Exposition of the Sayings of the Lord of the Apostolic Father Papias of Hierapolis, who lived c. 70–163 AD, Mary the wife of Cleophas or Alphaeus would be the mother of Judas the brother of Jesus that Papias identifies with Thaddeus:

Mary the wife of Cleophas or Alphaeus, who was the mother of James the bishop and apostle, and of Simon and Thaddeus, and of one Joseph…

Fragment X, of Hierapolis, Papias. Exposition of the Sayings of the Lord. Fragment X. Retrieved 10 September 2015.

Tradition & Legend

Tradition holds that Jude, also known as Thaddeus, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings and establish his church. While not as well-known as some of the other apostles like Peter or Paul, Jude played a crucial role in the early Christian movement.

Jude is believed to have preached the Gospel in various regions including Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia, and even Libya. He traveled extensively, spreading the message of Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles alike. It is said that he not only preached in the cities but also visited remote areas, delivering the Good News to people from all walks of life.

According to ancient accounts, Jude embarked on many missionary journeys, ensuring that the transformative power of Christ’s message reached as many souls as possible. Records suggest he visited cities such as Beirut and Edessa, where he faced both opposition and acceptance. The exact details of his travels may be somewhat shrouded in mystery, but his impact on the early Christian movement was unquestionably significant.

Born into a devout Jewish family in Paneas, a town located in Galilee (which was later rebuilt and renamed Caesarea Philippi during the Roman period), Jude was brought up immersed in the rich traditions of Judaism. He was fluent in both Greek and Aramaic, which allowed him to effectively communicate with diverse groups of people during his missionary journeys.

Jude’s close familial connection to Jesus is also noteworthy. According to tradition, he was the son of Clopas and Mary of Clopas, both of whom were believed to be relatives of the Virgin Mary. It is said that his father, Clopas, was martyred for his unwavering and courageous faith in the risen Christ. This familial tie to Jesus likely provided Jude with unique insights and a deep understanding of the teachings and life of the Messiah.

Furthermore, Jude holds a special place in the history of Armenia. While Saint Gregory the Illuminator is widely recognized as the “Apostle to the Armenians” for his role in converting King Tiridates III and the Armenian people in 301, both Jude and Bartholomew are also believed to have played a crucial part in bringing Christianity to Armenia. In fact, Jude and Bartholomew are considered the patron saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Saint Thaddeus Monastery, located in what is now northern Iran, and the Saint Bartholomew Monastery in southeastern Turkey stand as enduring symbols of their early evangelistic efforts in the region.

Jude’s legacy lives on through the written word as well. He is believed to be the author of the New Testament epistle of Jude, a letter that serves as a powerful exhortation to believers, urging them to contend for the faith and avoid the influence of false teachers. This epistle serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs and defending the core principles of Christianity.

Letter of St. Jude

Letter of Jude, also called Epistle of St. Jude, abbreviation Jude, is a brief New Testament letter that holds significant theological value. It was written to a general Christian audience by an author who claims to be St. Jude the Apostle, “a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James” (1:1). However, the identity of the author remains uncertain, as scholars debate whether it was indeed written by the apostle or someone else using his name.

In this compelling letter, the author passionately urges Christians to hold firm to their faith and to fiercely defend the teachings that were handed down to them. As the author states, they must “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (1:3). This sense of urgency is driven by the presence of individuals who distort the message of God’s grace, turning it into an excuse for indulging in immoral behavior. The author admonishes the readers to be on guard against those who pervert the true essence of Christianity and deny the sovereignty of their “only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (1:4).

The primary concern addressed in the Letter of Jude is the presence of heretical teachings within the Christian community. The author confronts these heretics and their deceptive practices. By doing so, they seek to fortify the readers in their fight against heresy, which leads to moral decay and disorder. The nature of these heretical teachings and the author’s strong opposition to them suggest a connection to early Gnostic beliefs that threatened the early Church.

The letter highlights the danger of libertine behavior associated with these heretical teachings. The author warns that those who fall prey to such distortions will face a similar fate to that of the unfaithful in the Old Testament. To counter this, the author emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in faith, adherence to true doctrine, and fervent prayer. Such commitment can lead to mercy, forgiveness, restoration, and ultimately, salvation. The author also encourages the readers to compassionately engage with those who have strayed, attempting to bring them back to repentance and the fold of the true faith.

One intriguing aspect of the Letter of Jude is the mention of the archangel Michael, emphasizing his role as a heavenly figure of authority and protection (9). Additionally, the author refers to the evil angels who abandoned their designated place in the celestial hierarchy and were subsequently confined by God in eternal chains until the day of divine judgment (6). These references reflect a blend of Jewish apocalyptic and angelological traditions, adding a distinctive tone to the letter.

While the Letter of Jude is relatively short, it conveys a powerful message and addresses crucial issues faced by early Christians. Its timeless themes of steadfastness, sound doctrine, discernment, and compassion continue to resonate with believers today, offering guidance for navigating challenges within the faith community and maintaining a strong adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Martyrdom & Remains

According to tradition, Jude suffered martyrdom about 65 AD in Beirut, in the Roman province of Syria during the 1st century in Lebanon together with the apostle Simon the Zealot, with whom he is usually connected. The axe that he is often shown holding in pictures symbolizes the way in which he was killed.

Their acts and martyrdom were recorded in an Acts of Simon and Jude that was among the collection of passions and legends traditionally associated with the legendary Abdias, bishop of Babylon, and said to have been translated into Latin by his disciple Tropaeus Africanus, according to the Golden Legend account of the saints.

Jude, also known as Thaddeus, is recognized as one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. Although he is not as well-known as some of the other apostles, he played an essential role in spreading the teachings of Jesus. He traveled extensively to various regions, including Syria, Mesopotamia, and Armenia, preaching the Gospel and converting many to Christianity.

According to one account, Jude’s body was brought from Beirut to Rome and placed in a crypt in St. Peter’s Basilica, which is visited by many devotees. His bones rest in the left transept of St. Peter’s Basilica under the main altar of St. Joseph, in one tomb with the remains of the apostle Simon the Zealot. These revered relics were moved to their current location on December 27, 1665.

Interestingly, there is another fascinating story surrounding the remains of Jude. According to popular tradition, his relics were preserved in an Armenian monastery on an island in the northern part of Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan until at least the mid-15th century. Some accounts even claim that the remains were then moved to an even more remote stronghold in the Pamir Mountains.

Regardless of the location of his final resting place, Jude continues to be venerated as a patron saint of desperate situations and lost causes. People from all walks of life turn to him in times of need, seeking his intercession and guidance. His unwavering faith and steadfast commitment to Christ serve as an inspiration to believers around the world.

Iconographic Representation

Jude, also known as Thaddeus, holds a significant place in biblical history and Christian tradition. Often depicted in artwork carrying the image of Jesus, Jude’s role in preserving and spreading the faith is celebrated.

According to religious texts, Jude is associated with the legend of the Image of Edessa. This legend revolves around King Abgar of Edessa, who suffered from an illness and sought healing from Jesus. King Abgar sent a letter to Jesus, and in response, Jesus either impressed his face onto a cloth or had his envoy, Hannan, paint a likeness of himself. This image was then sent back to King Abgar, who placed it with great honor in one of his palatial houses. The legend tells that King Abgar was miraculously cured and, deeply moved by this encounter, converted to Christianity, along with many of his subjects.

In addition to the story of the Image of Edessa, Jude is also associated with the event of Pentecost. It is believed that during Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, Jude was present. As a result, he is often depicted with a flame above his head, symbolizing the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

Patronage & Pilgrimage Centres

St. Jude is revered as the patron of impossible causes, a title bestowed upon him due to the New Testament’s Letter of St. Jude, where he urges Christians to persevere in times of difficulty. Throughout history, other saints, such as St. Bridget of Sweden, have also called upon believers to turn to St. Jude with unwavering faith and trust. In a vision, Christ Himself assured St. Bridget, saying, “In accordance with his surname, Thaddeus, the amiable or loving, he will show himself most willing to give help.” Thus, St. Jude is recognized as a saint who is always ready and willing to assist us through life’s trials.

While the Indian Orthodox Church does not have a specific pilgrimage center in the name of St. Jude, the Yoodhapuram Shrine located in Kidangoor, approximately one kilometer from Angamally towards Manjapra, is a renowned pilgrimage site under the Roman Catholic Church dedicated to St. Jude. This landmark church, situated in the Archdiocese of Verapoly, has earned a reputation for the immense blessings bestowed by St. Jude. Regular Holy Eucharist services are held here, along with novenas and special prayers on Thursdays. The feast associated with St. Jude is celebrated during the last week of October each year, attracting approximately 150,000 devotees on a single day of celebration.

St. Jude holds several patronages, including being the patron saint of the Chicago Police Department and Customs Officers. Additionally, he is revered as the patron saint of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, a prominent soccer team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. St. Jude’s GAA teams in Templeogue, Dublin 6W, and Southampton & Bournemouth, UK, also share his patronage. He is recognized as the patron of desperate situations, hospitals, and has a special connection with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The hospital, founded in 1962, has provided invaluable support to children with terminal illnesses and their families.

Beyond these patronages, St. Jude’s influence extends worldwide, inspiring devotion and the construction of shrines or churches dedicated to his memory in numerous countries. Some of these locations include Australia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Cuba, Iran, the Philippines, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Lebanon. St. Jude’s enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, hope, and unwavering faith in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jude’s distinct identity from Judas Iscariot highlights his important role as an apostle and his unwavering dedication to spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. His name carries with it a rich history and serves as a reminder of the strength and perseverance required to live a faithful life.

Jude’s contributions to the early Christian movement cannot be overstated. As an apostle, missionary, and author, he played a crucial role in spreading the Gospel and establishing Christian communities. His travels, teachings, and unwavering faith serve as an inspiration to believers across the world, strengthening their resolve to live out their faith and share Christ’s message of love and redemption.

Throughout history, Jude has been venerated as a saint in various Christian traditions. He is often invoked as the patron saint of desperate situations, lost causes, and impossible or difficult circumstances. Many individuals and churches seek his intercession and guidance in times of trouble, believing in his powerful intercession before God.

May the intercessions of the blessed saint Jude be a constant guide for us as we stand fast in the faith in Christ Jesus taught by our fathers.

Your brother in Christ Jesus

Jobin George

Sources:
1. Jude the Apostle – Wikipedia
2. Bridget of Sweden – Wikipedia
3. St Jude Shrine, Yoodhapuram
4. St. Jude Church, Kidangoor – Wikipedia (alquds.edu)
5. The 4 Patron Saints of Impossible Causes – Good Catholic