Holy Apostle Peter

Life

The son of Jonah, the brother of Andrew the First-Called, of the tribe of Simeon, from the city of Bethsaida. He was a fisherman, and was first called Simeon, but the Lord was pleased to name him Cephas, or Peter (John 1:42). He was the first of the disciples to clearly express his faith in the Lord Jesus, saying: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16). His love for the Lord was great, and his faith in the Lord was gradually strengthened. When the Lord was brought to trial, Peter denied Him three times, but one look into the face of the Lord — and Peter's soul was filled with shame and repentance. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, Peter appears as a fearless and powerful preacher of the Gospel. After one of his sermons in Jerusalem about three thousand souls were converted to the faith. He preached the Gospel in Palestine and Asia Minor, in Illyricum and Italy. He performed mighty miracles: he healed the sick, raised the dead; even from his shadow the sick were healed. He had a great battle with Simon the Sorcerer, who presented himself as a god but in reality was a servant of Satan. At last he put him to shame and defeated him. By the command of the wicked Emperor Nero, Simon's friend, Peter was condemned to death. Having appointed Linus as bishop in Rome and having counseled and consoled the flock of Christ, Peter went joyfully to his death. Seeing the cross before him, he begged his executioners to crucify him upside down, since he considered himself unworthy to die as his Lord had died. And so the great servant of the great Master reposed and received the crown of eternal glory.

From the Hymn of Praise

The unlearned and the learned, but equal in spirit,And in the love of God strong as angels,Peter the simple man, Paul the educated —Both illumined by the grace of the Spirit.