Apostle Peter (Koufos) Icon - S622

St. Peter, a chief Apostle along with St. Paul, was originally called Simon. The names "Peter" and "Cephas" both mean rock, and were both given by Jesus. He was first called alongside his brother Andrew.  

Peter is known for committing a great error when Jesus was arrested and about to be crucified. He was so afraid for his own safety that he three times denied that he even knew Jesus. But Peter sincerely repented of his action, and was forgiven.

After the Ascension, he became a vocal and courageous leader of the new faith. He travelled throughout the Mediterranean, which for a man of his time and place made up much of the known world. His acts are a large part of the Acts of the Apostles. St. Peter was martyred in Rome.

St. Peter, in gold, holds in his icon a scroll that is unfurling. The Word of God is become manifest in the Church St. Peter helped found. With his right hand, he doubly shows the scroll’s importance. Not only does he point to the scroll, but he points with his two raised fingers. The scroll is the Way, and the Way is the Human and Divine Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Across from St. Peter, on the other side of the Holy Doors, is the icon of St. Paul, another great founder of the church. Sts. Peter and Paul share feast day, on June 29, and a troparion that calls them the "foremost in the ranks of the Apostles and teachers of the world."

This icon was painted by Fr. Theodore Koufos of blessed memory. Offered by permission.