St. Peter was originally known as 'Simon Peter' and he was one of Jesus' first disciples. He was a fisherman and came from the village of Capernaum on the shores of Lake Galilee. Upon responding to Jesus call to follow him, Peter left everything behind and began an amazing journey of discovery, becoming the 'right-hand man' of Christ himself. Peter features regularly in the stories of the New Testament and is somewhat the spokesperson for the disciples, sometimes saying the wrong thing at important moments. He is most notably remembered as the disciple who denied knowing Jesus on the night of his arrest. However, in an earlier dialogue when Jesus asks who his disciples think he is, it is Peter who replies, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, we find Peter preaching boldly, working miracles, and standing up fearlessly to those who condemn Jesus. Peter becomes 'the rock on which the church was built.'
In the Orthodox Church, every Thursday throughout the year is dedicated to St. Peter. His Feast Day is celebrated on 29 June.
