05/01/2026
ST PHILIP AND ST JAMES, APOSTLES
The Feast of Saints Philip and James is observed on the first of May.
It honors two apostles of Jesus about whom the Scriptures tell us little, yet whose faith and witness endure in the life of the Church.
James, called “the Less” to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, is identified as the son of Alpheus and may also be the “James the younger” who, with his mother Mary, watched the crucifixion from afar.
Philip appears more vividly in the Gospel of John, where Jesus calls him soon after Andrew and Peter.
Eager to share the good news, Philip brings his friend Nathanael to meet Jesus.
His practical, questioning nature surfaces again when he wonders how to feed the vast crowd, only to see Jesus multiply the loaves and fishes.
Later he asks, “Lord, show us the Father,” prompting Jesus’ profound reply, “He who has seen me has seen the Father.”
Though their later lives are largely hidden from history, both apostles are remembered for their simple faithfulness—the readiness to follow, to ask, to trust, and to proclaim the truth of Christ.
SOURCE: The Episcopal Church
The Collect of Rite I:
Almighty God, who didst give to thine apostles Philip and James grace and strength to bear witness to the truth: Grant that we, being mindful of their victory of faith, may glorify in life and death the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)
