St James TL / St Philip

St James TL / St Philip History

The observance of Saint Philip and Saint James the Lesser serves to commemorate two of the twelve apostles who played instrumental roles in the spread of Christianity. This day serves not just as a tribute to their faith and diligence but it also promotes a sense of unity and reverence amongst followers. To many, this observance acts as a reminder of the principles of selflessness and sacrifice, values that were strongly represented by both saints.

St. Philip is credited for his missionary work in Asia while St. James the Lesser, also known as James the Just, played a pivotal role in the early Christian church of Jerusalem. This observance, while not public, is recognised amongst Canada's Christian community which comprises approximately 67.2% of the country's population. Canadian Christians admire these saints for their dedication and commitment to the teachings of their faith. Their stories and teachings resonate in the daily lives of many Canadians, reminding them of the principles of charity, humility, and service others.

The observance of Saint Philip and Saint James the Lesser in Canada often takes place in church services and is marked with special readings, prayers, and hymns dedicated to these apostles. While this is a common practice in much of the western Christian world, the date of the observance can vary. In the Roman Catholic Church, for example, the observance is now held on May 1st. Despite this variance, the underlying purpose remains the same, remembering and honoring these two giants of Christian history for their selfless contributions to their faith.