(Hebrew: Mattithiah, gift of Jahveh)
Disciple selected with Barsabas, after the Ascension, from those followers of Christ who were deemed qualified for appointment to the Apostleship vacant through the betrayal and death of Judas. After prayer and a solemn appeal to lots, Matthias was chosen (Acts 1). As a disciple he had attended Christ from His Baptism until His Ascension. Details of his life and death vary; according to one legend he was crucified in Ethiopia; another maintains that he was stoned and beheaded by the Jews, in Jerusalem. Relics at Trier. Feast, Roman Calendar, February 25,.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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