Large icon of Peter The Apostle (St. Peter).
Approximate dimensions: 10 1/2" x 7 1/2"
Peter (also known as Simon Peter) was one of the original 12 apostles. He became the leader of the apostles, after Jesus' ascension. Peter was ordained by Jesus in the "Rock of My Church" dialogue in Matthew 16:18. He is traditionally counted as the first Bishop of Rome—or pope—and also by Eastern Christian tradition as the first Patriarch of Antioch. Peter was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero Augustus Caesar. It is traditionally held that he was crucified upside down at his own request, since he saw himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus.