St. Peter and St. Paul

St. Peter was a fisherman from Bethsaida, who was chosen to be one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. Depicted on the top right is the famous story of St. Peter walking on water with Jesus (Story found in Matthew 14:22).

He traveled the ancient world, preaching in the name of Jesus Christ. While Preaching in Rome, Emperor Nero ordered the crucifixion of the saint. St. Peter was crucified upside down and received the crown of martyrdom in the year 64 A.D. May his holy blessings be with us all amen.

From the city of Tarsus, St. Paul was formerly known as Saul. He was the son of a Pharisee and grew up to be very educated in the Jewish faith. He often persecuted Christians. Depicted on the top left corner of this icon, St. Paul was on his way to Damascus, a light shone from heaven that blinded him. Then a voice spoke to him and said “Saul Saul why are you persecuting me?” (Story found in Acts 9).

From then he went on to become Paul and preached all over the ancient world. He wrote 14 epistles before being seized by emperor Nero. He was beheaded in the year 64 A.D. and received the crown of martyrdom. May his holy blessings be with us all amen.