St. Matthew (apostle), born as Levi son of Alphaeus (Gospel by St. Mark),
is traditionally believed to be the author of the first Gospel. Before his
vocation he was a tax collector in Capharnaum. After the scattering of the
apostles, St. Matthew preached in Ethiopia. There he unmasked two magicians,
who were worshiped as gods, triumphed over the magicians' dragons and resurrected
the daughter of King Hegesippus, who was thus converted. He was executed
for protesting against the marriage of King Hirtiacus with his niece Iphigenia,
by beheading, burning at the stake or stoning. Matthew is the patron saint
of bankers and tax officials. |
