St. Bartholomew The Apostle

Bartholomew is mentioned in the synoptic gospels and the Acts of the Apostles as one of the twelve; he is probably the Nathaniel mentioned in St. John’s Gospel, whom Jesus called a “true Israelite without guile”. The Roman Martyrology records that he preached in India and Armenia. Other sources say he preached in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia. Tradition says that he was martyred in Armenia by being flayed alive and then beheaded. He is often represented holding his own skin. St. Bartholomew’s feast day is August 24.