May 3: St. Philip, Apostle

Saint Philip, Apostle

By Ryan Venancio

Saint Philip the Apostle was born in Bethsaida near the Sea of Galilee, Palestine.  Saint Philip was one of the twelve apostles. He is the patron of cooks and bakers.  Saint Philip was first a follower of John the Baptist and then became an Apostle of Jesus.  He is listed fifth among the Apostles.  He spread Christianity in Greece, Phrygia, and Syria.  Saint Philip was sent to preach to Greece, Phrygia, and Syria with his sister Mariamne and Bartholomew.  The Roman proconsul tortured Mariamne, Bartholomew, and Saint Philip because his wife converted to Christianity due to their preaching.  Bartholomew was later sent to be crucified.  It is not certain how Saint Philip died.  One legend says he was crucified with Bartholomew upside down though Bartholomew was released because Saint Philip preached the Gospel upside from the cross.  The legend says that he died on the cross and Bartholomew was released.  Another legend of Saint Philip says he was stoned to death and not crucified.  Saint Philip died c. 90 A.D.

Saint Philip is represented in Christian art with a pilgrim staff with a cross upon it.  Saint Philip was present at the miracle of the loaves and fishes.  The feast day of Saint Philip the Apostle is on May 3^rd but it was formally May 1^st.  He was martyred because he preached the Good News of Jesus Christ. Saint Philip the Apostle will always be remembered on every May 3^rd.