On this day, June 11 according to the Julian Calendar (June 24 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Apostle Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ.
The Holy Apostle Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ. When Philip told him that they had found the Messiah — Jesus of Nazareth — Bartholomew replied with honest skepticism: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” But when he came to Jesus and Christ revealed knowledge of him before they had met, Bartholomew immediately confessed: “Rabbi, You are the Son of God, You are the King of Israel.”
After the Resurrection and Pentecost, Bartholomew preached the Gospel in many lands: in India, Armenia, Ethiopia, and other regions. He brought the faith of Christ to peoples who had not yet heard the Good News, enduring great hardships and dangers in his missionary work.
The Holy Apostle Bartholomew is particularly venerated as the Apostle of Armenia, where he preached and where he ultimately gave his life. He was martyred — crucified and then beheaded — for his preaching of the Gospel, becoming one of the great martyrs of the Apostolic age.
His feast is celebrated on June 11 by the Julian Calendar. The Georgian Orthodox Church venerates him as one of the holy Apostles who brought the light of Christ to the nations.
May the intercessions of the Holy Apostle Bartholomew be with us all.