Philip the Apostle


Philip the Apostle
St. Philip, by Peter Paul Rubens, from his Twelve Apostles series (c. 1611), at the Museo del Prado, Madrid
Apostle and Martyr
Born1st century after Christ
Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Empire
Died80 after Christ
Hierapolis, Asia, Roman Empire
Venerated inAll Christian denominations that venerate saints
CanonizedPre-congregation
Major shrinerelics in Basilica Santi Apostoli, Rome
FeastAs Philip and James, Apostles, in the Roman Rite and in Protestant commemorations:


3 May: Roman Rite, Protestant Church in Germany
1 May: Anglican Communion, Old Catholics, ELCA, LCMS


14 November and 30 June: Eastern Orthodox Church (Translation of relics on 30 June)
17 November: Armenian
18 November: Coptic
AttributesRed Martyr, elderly, bearded man, holding a basket of loaves and a Tau cross
PatronageCape Verde; Hatters; Pastry chefs; San Felipe Pueblo; Uruguay

Philip the Apostle (Greek: Φίλιππος; Aramaic: ܦܝܠܝܦܘܣ; Coptic: ⲫⲓⲗⲓⲡⲡⲟⲥ, Philippos) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. Later Christian traditions describe Philip as the apostle who preached in Greece, Syria, and Asia-Minor.

In the Roman Rite, the feast day of Philip, along with that of James the Less, is traditionally observed on 1 May, the anniversary of the dedication of the church dedicated to them in Rome (now called the Church of the Twelve Apostles). In the short-lived calendar reform of 1960, it was transferred to 11 May, but since 1969 it has been assigned to 3 May. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Philip's feast day on 14 November.

Philip the Apostle, detail of the mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, 6th century