Saint Matthew

St Matthew History

The Observance of Saint Matthew is a Christian celebration in honour of one of the twelve apostles named Matthew, who is also recognised as the author of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. This religious event allows devotees to pay tribute to Saint Matthew's work as an apostle, tax collector, and evangelist. The day is observed through church services, prayers, and reading passages from the Bible, mainly focusing on Saint Matthew's writings.

Saint Matthew, known initially as Levi, was a tax collector in the city of Capernaum when Jesus called upon him to become one of his apostles. According to tradition, Matthew left everything behind at the tax office to follow Jesus and eventually authored the Gospel of Matthew. The Gospel has been a significant source of guidance and inspiration for many Christians worldwide, including Australia, where Christianity has been the major religion for generations. Saint Matthew's story carries the message that encourages individuals to follow their faith and be devoted to their beliefs, regardless of their previous occupation or social standing.

In Australia, the Observance of Saint Matthew is celebrated by various Christian denominations, predominantly Catholics, Anglicans, and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. For many Australians, the day provides a chance to reflect on how they can apply Saint Matthew's teachings to their lives through prayer, attending mass, or engaging in acts of service. The Observance of Saint Matthew, a highly anticipated event, occurs annually on the 21st of September, inviting faithful followers across the nation to honour his life, teachings, and significant contributions to Christianity.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Saint Matthew in Australia

• In Australia, the observance of Saint Matthew is primarily a liturgical event within Christian denominations, distinct from public holidays. Here are the most interesting facts regarding this day:
  
  * The 2026 observance takes place during the Season of Creation, a period from 1 September to 4 October where Australian faith communities focus on prayer and action for the environment, often linking the call to discipleship with stewardship of the earth.
• For the 2026 liturgical calendar, the Feast of Saint Matthew occurs on a Monday, specifically replacing the liturgy for the Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time in many Catholic settings.
• Saint Matthew is historically celebrated as both an Apostle and one of the four Evangelists, credited with the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew, which traditionally appears first in the New Testament.
• The apostle was originally known as Levi, the son of Alphaeus, and worked as a tax collector in Capernaum—a profession that made him a social outcast and a figure of controversy in his time.
• His calling by Jesus remains one of the most famous examples of transformation in the New Testament; he famously left his tax booth immediately after Jesus said, 'Follow me,' and hosted a dinner for other tax collectors and 'sinners' to meet his new teacher.
• In Christian iconography and art, Saint Matthew is frequently symbolized by a winged man or an angel, a representation derived from the human genealogy of Jesus that opens his Gospel account.
• As a patron saint, he is traditionally associated with those in the financial professions, including bankers, accountants, and bookkeepers, due to his former work collecting taxes.
• The Gospel of Matthew is noted by scholars for its strong focus on presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically written to address a Jewish-Christian audience.
• While his life before and during his ministry with Jesus is well-documented in the Gospels, very little is historically certain about his later years, with various traditions suggesting he preached in regions as diverse as Judea, Ethiopia, and Persia.
• The liturgical color associated with the feast day is red, symbolizing the tradition that Matthew was a martyr who gave his life for the faith, though records of his death remain non-canonical and vary by ancient tradition.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Saint Matthew

Top things to do in Australia 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.
• Prepare a meal featuring foods from the Mediterranean or the Middle East to pay homage to the regional origins of St. Matthew.
• Take time for personal reflection and prayer, focusing on the themes of St. Matthew's teachings, such as forgiveness, humility, and acts of mercy.