Saint Matthias Apostle

Apostle and Martyr (died ca. 63)

Feast Day: May 14

We first hear about Matthias in the Acts of the Apostles.
Jesus has returned to the Father in heaven. Now the students are faced with the task of taking over his assignment. One of them, Judas, betrayed Jesus and then committed suicide. The first thing they do is appoint a successor for him.

Mattias (not to be confused with Matthew) was chosen by lot after the Ascension on the initiative of Peter, as can be read in Acts 1:23-26. The number twelve refers to the twelve tribes of Israel, therefore a twelfth apostle was important and they did not continue with their eleven.

According to tradition, he was stoned in Jerusalem in the year 63.

Mattias is depicted with a halberd as an attribute and like the other apostles he has a book in his hand.