Saint Peter & Saint Paul

St Peters History

Saint Peter was one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles, and he is one of the most important figures in Christianity. According to Christian tradition, Saint Peter was the first bishop of Rome and the leader of the early Christian Church. He is considered the founder of the papacy and the first Pope.

In the United Kingdom, Saint Peter is an important religious figure who is honored by many churches and cathedrals. One of the most famous examples is St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, which is the center of the Catholic Church and is named after Saint Peter. Saint Peter is also associated with many miracles and patronages, such as being the patron saint of fishermen and the protector of the papacy. He is often depicted in religious art with a set of keys, which are said to symbolize his spiritual authority.

The veneration of Saint Peter dates back to early Christianity, and his teachings have influenced Christianity for centuries. As a result, he is an important figure in the religious history of the United Kingdom and continues to be a source of spiritual inspiration for many people today. The celebration of Saint Peter is observed annually on June 29th.

Saint Peter & Saint Paul facts

• Peter's original name was Simon, but Jesus changed it to Peter, which means 'the rock'. Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:17b-19).
• Peter and Paul disagreed frequently over whether non-Jews converting to Christianity needed to follow Jewish customs. Peter believed that these Gentile converts should become Jewish first, while Paul's belief was that they could skip that step.
• In the United Kingdom, the symbol of two keys crossed in an X shape represent Saint Peter's keys to heaven.
• St. Peter's Church in Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire, is known for its unique Anglo-Saxon tower and baptismal font, dating back to the 10th century. It's one of the oldest remaining examples of a church dedicated to St. Peter in the UK.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Saint Peter & Saint Paul

Top things to do in the UK for Saint Peter's Day

• Go fishing in honor of St. Peter. He was a fisherman before he became Jesus' disciple, and is the patron saint of fisherman and net makers.
• Go camping in honor of St. Paul. Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul was a tent maker. He is the patron saint of tent makers as well as writers. In addition to being an accomplished preacher, Paul wrote epistles that are included in the Bible's New Testament.
• Watch Peter: Keys to Following Jesus (2017). This documentary discusses the life and teachings of Saint Peter, focusing on how he became a follower of Jesus Christ, his role in the early church, and his ultimate martyrdom. It includes commentary by scholars and theologians, as well as dramatic re-enactments of key moments in Peter's life.
• Visit the St. Peter's Church in Barton-upon-Humber. This church is an important historical site with a Saxon tower and is one of the oldest surviving churches in the UK. The church is dedicated to Saint Peter and is worth a visit to understand the rich Christian history in the region.