A variety of sources tell us that the Feast of St. Bartholomew commemorates the life of Jesus' disciple Bartholomew. It is observed in both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. St. Bartholomew is thought to have been from Galilee and was probably one Jesus' first followers.
Traditionally, Bartholomew is believed to have been a Jewish law scholar who was a close friend with the apostle Philip. He is credited with converting many to Christianity, in particular in Armenia as well as parts of India and Asia Minor.
Bartholomew is simply just listed by name in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke as well as in Acts (Mt.10:2, Mark 3:14, Luke 6:12, Acts 1:13, 26). He is not mentioned in the Gospel of John, but some theologians believe that he is referred to by the name Nathaniel. Most of the information the church has about Bartholomew/Nathaniel is based on early sermons and writings.
In the Gospel of John, Bartholomew (known as Nathaniel) is identified as being from Galilee. He was one of Jesus' first disciples.
St. Bartholomew is the patron saint of Armenia because early church writers placed him there spreading the gospel.
Along with his fellow apostle Jude Thaddeus, Bartholomew is reputed to have brought Christianity to Armenia in the 1st century. Thus, both saints are considered the patron saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
He is said to have been martyred in Albanopolis in Armenia. According to one account, he was beheaded, but a more popular tradition holds that he was flayed alive and crucified, head downward. He is said to have converted Polymius, the king of Armenia, to Christianity. Astyages, Polymius' brother, consequently ordered Bartholomew's execution.
Bartholomew is celebrated in the Orthodox Church on June 30. In the Roman Catholic tradition, his feast day is August 24.
Image: Saint Bartholomew - Wikipedia