Tomorrow is the Feast of Saint James Alpheus — Put These on the Table for Health and Peace
On 22 October believers honour Saint James Alpheus; folk tradition prescribes bread, salt and blessings to protect health and family peace.
Orthodox Christians observe on 22 October the feast dedicated to Saint James Alpheus, one of the twelve principal apostles and the born brother of the evangelist Matthew.
According to the tradition, James witnessed Christ’s miracles, suffering, resurrection and ascension. After the coming of the Holy Spirit he consecrated his life to preaching the Gospel and building the early Church.
He carried his message first in Eleutheropolis and nearby districts and later continued his mission in Egypt. The accounts describe him as a powerful preacher whose words and deeds overturned idolatry, expelled demons in the name of Jesus Christ and brought healing to many who suffered from serious illnesses.
Why he is venerated
Saint James Alpheus is honored as a strong protector against physical ailments and inner turmoil. Because of his gift for healing, the faithful pray to him for speedy recovery and relief from anxiety and spiritual distress. He is also seen as a guardian against negative energy and malicious forces.
Tradition links him with family protection as well: being the brother of Matthew, James is regarded as a symbol of family ties and the defense of close relatives.
Popular customs for the feast prescribe placing fresh bread and salt on the family table the morning of 22 October to shield the household from poverty, hunger and the “evil eye.” Families are encouraged to break and share a piece of bread with sincere gratitude. If possible, people wash hands and face with consecrated or spring water — believed to bring health and to cleanse away fatigue and foreign negative influences.
On this day, quarrels, envy and hatred among relatives are strictly discouraged. Because James and his brother Matthew exemplified unity and love, disputes among close family members are thought to bring great unrest. People avoid cursing words and boastfulness: it is believed that ill words spoken on the feast return as negative force to their speaker, and the day calls for humility and inner calm.
We wish a blessed and peaceful celebration to all who mark the day.
Photo: press material from the event
