Saint Iakovos, also known as James the Just, was one of the most important leaders of the early Christian Church. He is called the “Brother of the Lord,” not as a biological brother of Jesus Christ, but as a close relative, according to the tradition of the Church.
From his youth, Saint Iakovos lived a life of strict holiness, prayer, and fasting. Because of his righteousness and purity, he was greatly respected by all and received the title “the Just.”
After the Resurrection of Christ, Saint Iakovos became the first Bishop of Jerusalem. He guided the early Christian community with wisdom and humility, and he presided over the Apostolic Council in Jerusalem, where it was decided that Gentiles could enter the Church without following all the Jewish ceremonial laws.
He is traditionally recognized as the author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament, where he teaches that true faith must be accompanied by good works.
Saint Iakovos spent much of his life in prayer and devotion. According to tradition, his knees became like those of a camel due to his constant kneeling in prayer.
Around the year 62 AD, he suffered martyrdom for his faith in Jesus Christ. He was thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem, and after surviving the fall, he was killed because he continued to confess Christ.
The Orthodox Church honors Saint Iakovos for his righteousness, faith, and steadfast devotion to God.
Feast Days in the Orthodox Church:
- October 23 – Main feast day
- January 4 – Commemoration with the Seventy Apostles
