Bishop
Saint Apostle Thaddeus, of Jewish origin, was one of the seventy Apostles chosen by the Lord to preach the Gospel. He was baptized by John the Baptist and followed Jesus Christ, witnessing His miracles and teachings.
After the Ascension of the Lord, Saint Thaddeus was sent to the city of Edessa, where Prince Abgar was suffering from leprosy. Abgar, hearing of Christ's miracles, sent a message to Him asking for help. The Lord, seeing Abgar's faith, sent him an unmade image of His Face and a promise that one of His disciples would heal him.
When Saint Thaddeus arrived in Edessa, he first healed people while staying in the house of a Jew named Tobias. News of his miracles spread quickly, and Prince Abgar summoned him to his presence. Upon seeing the Apostle, Abgar bowed to him, illuminated by divine light.
Saint Thaddeus, strengthening the prince's faith, baptized him, and he received complete healing from leprosy. After this, many residents of Edessa, seeing the miracles, were also baptized. Saint Apostle preached about Christ, and the city was enlightened by the holy faith.
After establishing Christianity in Edessa, Saint Thaddeus went to Mesopotamia, where he continued to preach and build churches. He completed his life in the city of Beirut, leaving behind many converts to Christ.
It should be noted that the Saint Apostle Thaddeus in question is different from Saint Apostle Jude Thaddeus, one of the twelve Apostles. Nicephorus Callistus mentions two Thaddeuses, one of whom was among the seventy Apostles.
