Saint James the less or the Younger is the same ‘ James, the son of Alphaeus ‘, and ‘ James, the brother of the Lord (first cousin) ‘. He was surnamed ‘ The Less ‘ to distinguish him from Apostle James The Great, the son of Zebedee.

Apostle Paul told us that, three years after his conversion, went up to Jerusalem, and James with Peter gave him a cordial welcome. He also told that James was favored with a special appearing of the Lord before the Ascension. Eusebius, and Clement of Alexandria stated that he was in fact the bishop of Jerusalem who was known as ‘ the most righteous man ‘. On account of his exceeding great justice, he was called ‘ the Just ‘ in recognition, for there were many called James at that time. He was holy, and to him alone it was permitted to enter the holy place. At the council of Jerusalem, where it was decided that the gentiles need not to be circumcised to become Christians, it was James who voiced the decision of the assembly in these words: “. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden.” (Acts 15:28).

St. James is commonly known to be the author of the epistle in the New Testament, which bears his name. Its main themes include: Good news for the poor, to be doers not hearers, and testing faith by good works.

The story of his martyrdom runs as follows: “As many came to believe in Christ did so through James, there was an uproar among the Jews, the scribes, and the Pharisees…they said to James, “we ask you to restrain the people, for they all have gone after Jesus, imagining that He is the Christ. We ask you to persuade all who are coming for the day of the Passover concerning Jesus, for in thee do we all put our trust. For we bear witness, as do all people that you are just, and always speak the truth? Stand, upon the pinnacle of the temple, so that every one can see you, and your words may easily be heard.” St. James replied with a loud voice. “ Why do you ask me concerning the Son of Man, since He sits in Heaven on the right hand of the Mighty Power, and shall come again on the clouds of heaven to judge the living and the dead.” Then the Jews become furious, going up, they cast him down. And they said to each other: “ Let us stone James the Just.” And one of them took a club and hit the Just One’s head. Thus he was martyred and buried beside the temple.