Simon the Zealot

Saint Simon the Zealot is one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is referred to in the Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles as 'Simon the Cananaean' or 'Simon the Zealot'. The epithet 'Zealot' could indicate either his prior membership in the Jewish Zealot faction or simply describe his fervent zeal for divine law. After Pentecost, traditions vary regarding his evangelical missions. He is said to have preached in Egypt, North Africa, and then in Persia, often alongside Saint Jude Thaddeus. The most widespread tradition, notably from the Golden Legend, states that he was martyred in Persia, sometimes by crucifixion, but more frequently by being sawn in half. His feast day is celebrated jointly with Saint Jude Thaddeus on October 28 in the Roman liturgical calendar.