St. James the Lesser

St. James the Lesser, also known as James, son of Alphaeus, was one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is only mentioned a few times in the Gospels, yet his role in the early Christian Church was significant. James was part of the Jerusalem Christian community, serving as the first Bishop of Jerusalem. He played a crucial role in the Council of Jerusalem around 50 AD, where it was decided that non-Jewish believers could be accepted into the Church without undergoing circumcision. James is noted for being a pillar of the Church, alongside Peter and John, and is mentioned by St. Paul as a witness to the Resurrection of Christ. He is also credited with writing the Epistle of James, which emphasizes practical Christian living. The Epistle is addressed to the twelve tribes that are in the Dispersion, guiding early Christians in their faith amidst paganism. James's death occurred around 62 AD in Jerusalem, where he was martyred by the Jews. Despite his relatively obscure role compared to other apostles, James's legacy endures through his contributions to the early Church and his Epistle, which remains a part of the Christian canon. The exact date of his canonization is not documented, but his status as a saint reflects his enduring influence in Christian tradition.