Today, the Church honors St. James the Brother of Our Lord (Adelphotheos), who is also remembered on the Sunday following Christmas Day. Additionally, we commemorate Saint Ignatius of Constantinople and St. Makarios of Rome.
James, the son of Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, earned the title Adelphotheos or Brother of the Lord due to his close relationship with Jesus from infancy. His unwavering faith and dedication to Christ were evident in his missionary, pastoral, and charitable work as the first Bishop of Jerusalem, ordained by God Himself according to tradition.
James played a crucial role in the Apostolic Council of 49 AD, contributing significantly to the spread of the Christian faith worldwide. He also provided the Church with his inspired Universal Letter, a part of the New Testament, and laid the foundation for the Divine Liturgy practiced by later saints like Basil the Great and Saint John Chrysostom.
Ultimately, James the Brother of the Lord sealed his legacy with martyrdom, sentenced to death by his fellow countrymen.
Source: Church of Cyprus