ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE & EVANGELIST

Matthew, also known by the name Levi, was the Son of Alpheus and was called by the Lord to follow him as an Apostle from one of the most hated professions of the day.  Tax collectors were generally known to be crooked and thieves.

From Matthew we know of the many doings of Christ and the message Christ spread of salvation for all people who come to God through Him. The Gospel account of Matthew tells the same story as that found in the other three Gospels, so scholars are certain of its authenticity. His book is the first of the four Gospels in the New Testament.


After the death of Christ, Matthew wrote his gospel account. He wrote the book in Aramaic in the hope that his account would convince his fellow people that Jesus was the Messiah and that His kingdom had been fulfilled in a spiritual way. It was an important message at a time when almost everyone was expecting the return of a militant messiah brandishing a sword.

It is thought he departed for other lands to escape persecution sometime after 42 AD. According to various legends he fled to Parthia and Persia, or Ethiopia. Nothing is recorded of Matthew's death but tradition says he was martyred.

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THE LITURGY

1830     Vespers
1900     MASS http://ustre.am/UCOl