Saint Matthew the Evangelist

Saint Matthew the Evangelist (1st century AD), also known as Levi, was a tax collector in Capernaum when Christ called him with the simple words "Follow me" — and he immediately left everything to become one of the Twelve Apostles. He is the author of the First Gospel, which was written primarily for a Jewish audience and presents Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and the promised Messiah of Israel.

Saint Matthew's Gospel opens with the genealogy of Christ from Abraham and David, and is distinguished by its five great discourses, including the Sermon on the Mount. It is the most quoted Gospel in the early Church and remains foundational to Christian theology and ethics.

After Pentecost, Saint Matthew preached the Gospel in Judea, Ethiopia, Persia, and other lands, and is venerated as a martyr. He is depicted in icons with an angel — his Gospel symbol — representing the human nature of Christ and the angelic proclamation of the Incarnation. His feast day is November 16. Browse our handcrafted Orthodox icons and devotional items honoring Saint Matthew the Evangelist, made in our Ohio workshop using traditional Byzantine embroidery techniques.