Saint Paul the Apostle: The Vessel of Election and Apostle to the Gentiles — Life, Miracles, and Prayers

Who Was Saint Peter the Apostle?

Saint Peter the Apostle — born Simon, son of Jonah — was a fisherman from Bethsaida in Galilee who became the foremost of Christ's twelve disciples. Called directly by the Lord along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Peter left his nets and followed without hesitation. It was Christ Himself who gave him the name Petros — "Rock" — declaring: "Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). In the Orthodox Church, Saint Peter is venerated as the Chief of the Apostles, celebrated together with Saint Paul on June 29th, the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

Life of Saint Peter

Peter was present at the most pivotal moments of Christ's earthly ministry. He witnessed the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, walked on water at the Lord's command, and confessed Christ as "the Son of the Living God" — a confession the Church has treasured ever since. Yet Peter is also remembered for his humanity: his threefold denial of Christ on the night of the Passion, followed by bitter repentance and tears. After the Resurrection, Christ restored him with a threefold commission — "Feed my sheep" — making his fall and restoration a timeless icon of repentance and mercy.

After Pentecost, Peter became the bold preacher of the early Church. His sermon on the day of Pentecost brought three thousand souls to baptism. He performed healings, raised the dead, and carried the Gospel from Jerusalem to Antioch and ultimately to Rome, where he served as the first bishop of the Roman church. He was martyred under Emperor Nero, crucified upside down at his own request, deeming himself unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. His relics rest beneath the great basilica that bears his name in Rome.

Saint Peter in Orthodox Iconography

In Byzantine iconography, Saint Peter is depicted as an elder with short, curly white hair and a full beard — a face weathered by sea and suffering alike. He typically holds the keys of the Kingdom, given to him by Christ, and sometimes a scroll representing his epistles. His expression is one of both authority and tenderness, the shepherd who knows the cost of straying and the grace of return.

Venerating an icon of Saint Peter in your home or prayer corner is an invitation to meditate on the mystery of divine calling — that God chooses the weak, the impulsive, and the fallen, and makes them pillars of His Church.

Our Saint Peter Orthodox Icon — 5x7 Embroidered is handcrafted in our Ohio workshop, rendered in rich Byzantine style with fully machine-embroidered detail. It makes a meaningful gift for feast days, ordinations, or anyone named Peter.

For those who carry their faith with them, our Saint Peter Pocket Icon or Patch is a compact, durable embroidered icon designed for wallets, bags, or daily carry — a tangible reminder of the Apostle's intercession throughout the day.

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

June 29th is one of the great Apostolic feasts of the Orthodox calendar — the joint celebration of Saints Peter and Paul, the two pillars of the Church. The feast is preceded by the Apostles' Fast, a period of fasting and prayer that begins after the Sunday of All Saints and concludes on the eve of the feast. It is a time to reflect on the missionary zeal of the Apostles and to ask for their intercession in our own calling to proclaim the Gospel.

Our Saints Peter and Paul 8x10 Embroidered Icon depicts both Apostles together in the classic Byzantine composition — an ideal icon for a home iconostasis or as a gift for the feast day. We also offer a Saints Peter and Paul Laminated Orthodox Prayer Card, perfect for tucking into a prayer book or giving to a friend observing the fast.

Prayers to Saint Peter the Apostle

O Holy Apostle Peter, Chief of the Twelve, thou who didst confess Christ as the Son of the Living God and wast appointed shepherd of His flock — intercede for us before the Lord, that He may strengthen our faith, forgive our denials, and restore us as He restored thee. Pray that we may feed His sheep in word and deed, and at the last be found worthy of the Kingdom thou dost now inhabit. Amen.

Keep a Saint Peter Laminated Orthodox Prayer Card in your prayer corner or wallet as a daily companion to this intercession.

Feast Day and Patronage

Saint Peter's primary feast is June 29th (the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul). He is also commemorated on January 16th (the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles) and other dates in the Orthodox calendar. He is the patron of fishermen, net-makers, and those who hold the keys of authority in the Church. His intercession is especially sought by those struggling with doubt, denial, or the fear of unworthiness — for no one knows better than Peter that Christ's mercy is greater than our failures.