Surp Bedros (Saint Peter)
Surp Bedros, known as Saint Peter, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Born as Simon, he was the brother of the Apostle Andrew (Antreas). Simon was distinguished by a noble character, by qualities of leadership and by a strong spiritual intuition. He was married and a father, which makes him the only apostle with a settled family.
At his first meeting with Jesus he was renamed Peter – „stone“ or „rock“. Christ said to him: „Thou art the rock, and upon this rock I will build my church“, underlining his key role in the founding of the Church.
Well known too is the account of the walking upon the water. When Jesus walked upon the water and called to him, Peter stepped hesitantly from the boat, but began to sink. After the Saviour’s reproach he strengthened his faith and took heart.
Peter preached in Palestine and worked miracles, but was pursued by the authorities. According to tradition he escaped death by order of King Herod, after which he went to Rome. There he founded a church and continued to preach. He was condemned to death by the Emperor Nero between the years 66 and 68.
The Catholic Church regards him as its founder and celebrates him on 29 June, while the Armenian Apostolic Church commemorates him on the last Saturday of December.
- Peter is held to be the first bishop of Rome, which connects him with the idea of the papacy in the Catholic Church.
- He is traditionally depicted with keys, symbolising „the keys of the kingdom of heaven“.
Surp Boghos (Saint Paul)
Surp Boghos, known as Saint Paul, was born in Tarsus (Cilicia) and was first called Saul. Taught by the rabbi Gamaliel, he was at first a zealous defender of Judaism and an opponent of Christianity.
After the martyrdom of Surp Stepanos, Paul was sent to persecute the Christians, but on the road to Damascus he received a spiritual vision – blinded by a brilliant light, he heard a voice: „Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?“ That moment changed his life for ever. After three days of fasting and prayer, with the help of Ananias, he accepted Jesus as the Son of God and became one of the foremost apostles.
Paul travelled through the Arab world and Asia Minor, visiting Tarsus and Antioch, where he founded churches and where the followers of Jesus were first called „Christians“. His epistles to the early Christian communities form the basis of a substantial part of the New Testament.
- Paul is regarded as „the apostle to the nations“ because of his missionary work beyond Judaea.
- He died a martyr in Rome, probably hanged or beheaded under the Emperor Nero.
- His symbols include the sword (a sign of martyrdom) and the scroll (a sign of his epistles).
Their meaning for the Armenian Church
In the Armenian Apostolic Church the feast of Surp Bedros and Surp Boghos is observed on the last Saturday of December.
On this day all who bear the names Bedros or Boghos celebrate their name day.
The day is given over to liturgies, prayers and gatherings of the community, recalling the courage, the faith and the spiritual service of the two apostles.
Through their example the faithful are inspired to strengthen their spiritual bond with God and with their neighbour.