Saint Alphaeus was the father of the Apostles James the Less and Levi, who, being a tax collector, was called by the Lord to follow Him. Levi left everything behind and became a faithful companion of Christ, later writing the first Gospel. The Apostle Alphaeus came from Capernaum. However, the exact place where he carried out his ministry and preached the word of the Lord remains unknown.
On the same day of the commemoration of Saint Alphaeus, we also honor the Holy Martyrs Averkios and Helen, his children. The saint endured harsh tortures for Christ. He was tied naked among beehives and suffered from their stings. His sister Helen was stoned to death.
On this same day, we also celebrate the finding of the relics of Saint Macarius of Kalazin.
