James the Less
Feast Day: May 3
Apostle and first bishop of Jerusalem who emphasized faith expressed through works.
Patronage
Pharmacists, fullers, hat makers, workers in difficult trades
Virtues & Traits
Biography
James the Less (d. c. 62 AD), sometimes called James the Minor, was one of Jesus's twelve apostles and likely a cousin of Jesus through His mother Mary. He is distinguished from the other James (James the Greater) by his shorter stature or possibly his later calling. According to tradition, James led the Jerusalem Church after Peter and played a significant role in the Jerusalem Council that determined how gentile converts should be incorporated into the Church. He is often identified with James the Just, author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament. Church tradition records he was martyred in Jerusalem, either by crucifixion or by being thrown from the Temple and then beaten with a fuller's club. His epistle emphasizes living faith through practical works of mercy and justice.