*** *** ***

— St. Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles as mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and also in Acts. According to tradition, he preached the Gospel as far as India and was martyred in Armenia for having converted the king. The saint may have been flayed alive which is widely depicted in great works of art. St. Bartholomew is often represented being skinned alive and symbols associated with the saint include knives and his skin, which he holds or drapes around his body. Many scholars and ancient writers identify Bartholomew with Nathanael, as noted in John’s Gospel.