THIS ICON IS THE ARTIST’S INTERPRETATION OF SAINT PETER
Peter was a fisherman in Bethsaida. He was named Simon but also known as Simon Peter, son of Jonah or John. Peter became the first listed apostle ordained by Jesus in the early church. Originally a fisherman, he played a leadership role and was with Jesus during events witnessed by only a few apostles. The Roman Catholic Church considers him to be the first pope, ordained by Jesus in the “Rock of My Church”. In the course of this spiritual campaign, he came to witness the many miracles of the Master, such as the walking on water, the miracle of the loaves and fishes and many others.
Christian churches venerate Peter as a major saint and associate him with the foundation of the church in Rome. Out of respect to one of his greatest disciples, the constant companion and beloved friend of Jesus Christ, Peter was given the keys to the kingdom of Heaven by the Messiah himself. His magnificent disciple, whom trust places at the gates of heaven to examine the credentials of those who would enter, had a master key which unlocked the hearts of men to admit the Savior, and his wisdom was the key to men’s minds which in turn admitted the intelligence to give meaning to the Christian faith.
Peter struck out on his own in the missionary work of renewed dedication after the death of Jesus, but he favored Jerusalem and together with other followers of Christ assisted diligently in the formation of the Christian community in Jerusalem. Ultimately Peter established the first church in the ancient city of Antioch and became its first bishop.
According to Christian tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero Caesar. It is told that he was upside down at his own request, since he saw himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus Christ. His mortal remains are contained in the underground Confessio of St. Peter’s Basilica. Every June 29th since 1736, a life-size statue of Saint Peter has been crowned in St. Peter’s Basilica with a papal tiara, ring of the fisherman, and papal vestments, as part of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.