The Holy Apostle James, Son of Alphaeus

Today we commemorate the holy apostle James, son of  Alphaeus, one of the twelve. He was the brother of the Apostle Matthew. He was a witness of the miracles of Jesus. Following Pentecost, he was sent to Egypt where he preached Christ and was martyred.

Troparion (Tone 3)
Holy Apostle James,
entreat the merciful God
to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.

Kontakion (Tone 2)
Let us bless James, praising him as the messenger of God,
for he filled the souls of the pious with wise dogmas.
Standing at the throne of glory before the Master,
he rejoices with all the angels unceasingly praying for us all.