James, Son of Alphaeus: Why the Orthodox Church Separates Him from James the Just

October 9 marks the feast of Saint James the Apostle, son of Alphaeus, whom the Eastern Orthodox Church honors as one of the original Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. The author explains that Orthodox Sacred Tradition identifies James as the biological brother of the Holy Evangelist Matthew, who was previously the tax collector Levi, since both are recorded as sons of Alphaeus.

The Church commemorates him on October 9 and again on June 30 at the Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles.

The author then turns to a theological distinction in Orthodox Mariology and tradition. James, the son of Alphaeus, is a different person from James the Brother of the Lord, also called James the Just. The author notes that Western traditions often conflate the two, while the Orthodox Church keeps them separate, with different feast days.

James the Just wrote the New Testament Epistle and was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. He is recognized as a son of Saint Joseph the Betrothed from a previous marriage. The son of Alphaeus, by contrast, is counted strictly among the core Twelve.

The author describes James's life during Christ's earthly ministry. He followed the Master closely, heard His words, witnessed His miracles, and beheld His suffering, Resurrection, and Ascension. He was in the Upper Room with the other disciples on the day of Pentecost and received the Holy Spirit in the form of fiery tongues. The author writes that this empowerment transformed him into a bold "fisherman of nations."

After Pentecost, Holy Tradition records that James traveled with fellow disciples, most notably Saint Andrew the First-Called. He preached through Judea, Edessa, Gaza, and Eleutheropolis, proclaiming Christ, destroying pagan idols, and casting out evil spirits. Sentenced to martyrdom in 62 AD, James was crucified, mirroring the passion of his Savior and sealing his earthly testimony with his blood.