Saint Matthew

St Matthew History

The Observance of Saint Matthew commemorates the life and works of the Apostle Matthew, one of the twelve apostles and author of the Gospel of Matthew. It serves as an opportunity for Christians to celebrate the contributions of Saint Matthew to the faith, reflect on his teachings, and recommit to living according to Christian principles. One of the key aspects of the observance of Saint Matthew is his role as the patron saint of bankers and accountants, making his feast day particularly significant to those in the financial industry.

While the origins of Saint Matthew's observance date back to the early centuries of Christianity, it has since spread to various parts of the world, including America. Saint Matthew is highly revered among American Christians not only for his contributions as an author of one of the Gospels, but also for his example of leaving behind a life of sin and material gain (as a tax collector) in order to follow Jesus Christ. Additionally, his patronage of bankers and accountants speaks to the significance of ethical financial practices, a theme that resonates with many in the United States.

The observance of Saint Matthew is typically marked by church services, prayers, and homilies that honor the life of the apostle and encourage reflection on his teachings. It is common for the Gospel of Matthew to be read and studied during these services, which provide an opportunity for Christians to deepen their understanding of both the historical and spiritual significance of Saint Matthew. The feast day occurs on September 21st each year.

Top 10 Facts for Saint Matthew in 2026

• The 2026 liturgical observance emphasizes themes of personal and communal spiritual renewal, inviting believers to reflect on their own call to discipleship and the sharing of the Gospel message.
• As a figure associated with the transformation from a publican to an apostle, Saint Matthew is often highlighted as a patron saint for those seeking internal change, conversion, and a fresh start in their spiritual lives.
• The feast day serves as an annual opportunity for the Church to engage with the concept of tax and civic responsibility, reframing these not merely as secular burdens but as potential mechanisms for building a fairer, more compassionate, and common-good-oriented society.
• Saint Matthew is widely recognized as the patron saint of accountants, bankers, bookkeepers, and tax collectors, often drawing specific interest from individuals in these professions who seek a spiritual connection to their daily work.
• Beyond his association with finance, he is also considered the patron saint of civil servants and customs officers, reflecting his historical role as a government official in Roman Judea.
• Often referred to as Levi in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, his dual names are frequently discussed by scholars and the faithful as either a reflection of his multilingual background or a symbolic transition into a new identity upon following Jesus.
• In the tradition of religious art, Saint Matthew is uniquely symbolized by a winged man or angel, a motif derived from the human genealogy of Jesus that appears at the opening of his Gospel account.
• The author of the first Gospel in the New Testament, Saint Matthew is celebrated as an evangelist for his pivotal role in recording the teachings of Jesus, specifically the Sermon on the Mount and the eight Beatitudes.
• His historical narrative has deeply influenced creative masterpieces, most notably inspiring the Saint Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach and the renowned series of paintings by Caravaggio that depict his calling, inspiration, and martyrdom.
• The observance highlights the 'sinner-turned-saint' narrative, serving as a reminder of the foundational Christian teaching that Jesus came to call those who were considered unrespectable by society, including those labeled as sinners or outcasts.

In the News and Trending in the US for Saint Matthew

Top things to do in the US for St Matthew

• Because of his background as a tax collector, Matthew is the patron saint of bankers and accountants. His feast day would be a good time to audit your books if you are a business owner or re-establish a family budget.
• Matthew was a tax collector, which was one of the most reviled professions in Judaism at the time of Christ. People looked down on tax collectors, but even so Jesus ate with them. Spend the day honoring St. Matthew getting to know somebody who is looked down upon in our society.
• Read the Gospel of Matthew. It was written for the people of Judea and features a unique perspective on the Kingdom of God.
• Some may choose to give to the poor or participate in food drives, inspired by Matthew's message of charity and kindness to those less fortunate.