Simon Zelotes the Apostle Greek Orthodox Icon
Commemorates on: May 10
This Apostle was one of the Twelve, and was called Simon the Cananite by
Matthew, but Simon the Zealot by Luke (Matt. 10:4; Luke 6:15). The word
"Cananite" used by Matthew is believed to be derived from kana, which
in the Palestinian dialect of Aramaic means "zealot" or
zealous"; Luke therefore translates the meaning of "Cananite."
Later accounts say that he was the bridegroom at the wedding in Cana of
Galilee, where the Lord Jesus changed the water into wine, making this the
first of His miracles (John 2:1-11); according to some, he is called Cananite
because he was from Cana (according to others, from the Land of Canaan). Simon
means "one who hears."