The son of Alphaeus, also known as Levi, lived in Capernaum and was a wealthy tax collector, despised by his fellow countrymen. The Lord called him: 'Follow Me!' Matthew, leaving everything, followed Christ and became one of the 12 Apostles. He preached the Gospel and was a witness to the sufferings and ascension of the Savior.
After the descent of the Holy Spirit, Matthew remained in Palestine, where he wrote the Gospel at the request of the Jerusalem Christians. He then preached in various countries, including Macedonia, Syria, Persia, and Ethiopia.
In Ethiopia, among cannibals, he founded a church and, having received a staff from the Lord, performed many miracles. When Prince Fulvian, wishing to destroy him, ordered him to be burned, Matthew remained unharmed. After this, the prince, blinded by anger, turned to the Apostle for help and was healed.
Fulvian, believing in Christ, was baptized and became a bishop, following the example of Matthew. Saint Apostle Matthew, after a long ministry, surrendered his soul to God and now prays for us before the throne of God.
