The Martyrdom of St . Simeon Cleophas, the Apostle .

On this day, St . Simeon, the Apostle, was martyred . He was the son of Cleophas, brother ofJoseph the Just, to whom the Virgin Mary was betrothed . He received the grace of the Holy Spiritin the Upper Room of Zion, and was ordained bishop for Jerusalem succeeding St . James theApostle . He converted many of the Jews to the faith in the Lord Christ . The Lord wrought manywonders in his hands, and he urged the people for chastity and purity . When Emperor Trajanheard about him, he brought him, tortured him much, and then cut off his head . He was onehundred twenty years old .May his prayers be with us, Amen .