Christians celebrate on August 22 Saint Matthew’s Day. This saint was born in Bethlehem, from early childhood he studied sacred books in Jerusalem. Matthew’s education was supervised by Simeon the God-accepter. Matthew lived a virtuous life, spent every day in prayer.

When Jesus began to gather disciples and preach, Matthew was among the 70 lesser apostles mentioned in the Gospel. After Christ was crucified and ascended to heaven, Matthew became the twelfth apostle instead of Judas.

Matthew preached in Judea, and then among the pagans of Ethiopia and Persia. The circumstances of his death are not known for certain: according to some traditions, he died a martyr’s death in Ethiopia, according to others – he died of old age. His burial place is unknown.