The priest revealed interesting facts about the first apostles

The Apostles Peter and Paul, whose memorial day is celebrated on July 12, are traditionally depicted with special attributes — a key and a sword. Vladislav Beregovoy, head of the missionary department of the Pesochenskaya diocese, told Izvestia about this.

According to Father Vladislav, Peter holds the keys to the Kingdom of God, which Jesus gave him.

"In one of the conversations with the Apostle Peter, the Savior said that he would give him the keys to the Kingdom of God — this is somehow connected with his confession of Jesus of Nazareth not just as a prophet, but as Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. The Apostle Peter was very ardent, zealous, and bold: when the Lord asked a question to the entire apostolic community, Peter usually answered immediately. It was for this boldness and special love for Christ that the Lord granted him such authority. In fact, in the person of the Apostle Peter, He gave this authority to all the apostles, their successors — bishops and clergymen," the priest said.

The image of Pavel, whose main attribute was the sword, is no less expressive. According to Beregovoy, this is due to the fiery character of the apostle, as well as his mission as a defender of the faith.

"The Apostle Paul is depicted with a sword as the guardian of the faith, its defender from heresies and vices. He was a zealous denouncer of any vice that penetrated into the nascent Christian communities, which he organized throughout Asia Minor and Europe. Many of his messages sound harsh: he threatens heavenly punishments to those who, having joined the Christian community, continue to live according to their former sinful habits," the priest said.

Father Vladislav also recalled the martyrdom of the apostles. According to him, Peter and Paul died about one year apart, and, according to popular legend, on the same day.

"According to legend, the Apostle Peter tried to escape death, but on the way he met Christ and asked: "Where are you going?" He replied that he was going to Rome to be crucified for him. Then the apostle realized that he could not run away from his cross, and returned to Rome," the priest said.

Read more about Peter and Paul Day and the traditions of the holiday in the Izvestia article:

"Peter and Paul – 2026: the story of two people who changed the course of Christianity"