Saint of the day: Joseph of Arimathea

Mar 29, 2024 • < 1 Min Read

14th century Byzantine Icon of the "Descent from the Cross" from the Church of Saint Marina in Kalopanagiotis, Cyprus. St. Joseph of Arimathea is the figure standing in the center, in blue-green robes holding the Body of Christ. (Wikipedia)

Today the Church celebrates St. Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus Christ. In every account of Jesus’ Passion and Death in the Gospels, St. Joseph is named.

After Christ was crucified, Joseph, a member of the Jewish council, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Once he received permission, Joseph had Jesus’ body laid in a tomb.

The Gospels call Joseph a devout and just man who was waiting for the kingdom of God. He followed Jesus’ public ministry, but feared retaliation from other members of the Jewish council.