New Testament References:

 

The appellation Bartholomew, derived from the Imperial Aramaic בר-תולמי bar-Tolmay meaning "son of Talmai" or "son of the furrows," is associated with one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus in the New Testament, as documented in the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, along with the Acts of the Apostles.

 

Tradition:

 

According to Eusebius of Caesarea's Ecclesiastical History, Bartholomew, post-Ascension, embarked on a missionary journey to India, leaving behind a copy of the Gospel of Matthew. Accounts vary, placing his missionary service in Mesopotamia, Parthia, Lycaonia, and Ethiopia. Some traditions assert that Bartholomew preached in India before proceeding to Greater Armenia.

 

Mission to India:

 

Early testimonies, notably from Eusebius and Saint Jerome, attest to Bartholomew's mission in India. Scholars have debated the location of this mission, with theories suggesting the Bombay region on the Konkan coast. Historical skepticism exists, questioning whether the India referred to by Eusebius and Jerome should be identified as Ethiopia or Arabia Felix.

 

In Armenia:

 

Bartholomew, along with Jude "Thaddeus," is credited with introducing Christianity to Armenia in the 1st century, making them patrons of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Various accounts detail Bartholomew's martyrdom, with conflicting narratives suggesting he was kidnapped and drowned, crucified upside down, or skinned alive and beheaded in locations like Albac or Albanopolis.

 

In Present-Day Azerbaijan:

 

A church in Baku, Azerbaijan, built in 1892, commemorates Bartholomew's believed martyrdom site. Legend associates his crucifixion around 71 AD in the Maiden Tower vicinity. The church operated until 1936 when Soviet anti-religious measures led to its demolition.

 

Veneration:

 

The Armenian Apostolic Church reveres Bartholomew and Thaddeus as patron saints. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Bartholomew on June 11 and August 25. Russian Orthodox traditions honor Bartholomew as the Patron Saint of Azerbaijan, commemorating his role in bringing Christianity to Caucasian Albania. In the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Bartholomew's martyrdom is remembered on the first day of the Coptic calendar, corresponding to September 11.

 

Relics:

 

Bartholomew's relics have a diverse history, with portions believed to be in Lipari, Benevento, Frankfurt Cathedral, and the Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral in Baku. The saint is associated with hospitals, and his relics have been credited with miraculous events.

 

Art and Literature:

 

Artistic depictions often portray Bartholomew holding his flayed skin, a notable example being Michelangelo's Last Judgement. The saint's martyrdom, especially the flaying episode, gained prominence in medieval manuscripts and art. Due to his manner of death, Bartholomew is the patron saint of various professions, including tanners, plasterers, tailors, leatherworkers, bookbinders, farmers, housepainters, butchers, and glove makers. His story has also inspired contemporary artworks exploring anatomical studies of the human body.