St. Bartholomew’s Church
Park Ave at 51st St
New York City

NOTE: This page is under construction and many of the links point to pages from our old web site. Please check back soon for more accurate information.

To get a bird’s-eye-view of the many programs, organizations, meetings, and activities that St. Bartholomew’s offers, please scroll through our A to Z list below, or click on the letter of a program name that you wish to read about.

A contact is provided for further information on each item—please let us know how we can help you become involved, or just learn more about St. Bart’s.

About St. Bartholomew’s Church

See St. Bartholomew’s History.
(For information about our patron saint, see “Who was St. Bartholomew?”)

St. Bartholomew’s believes deeply in offering opportunities for adults to deepen their faith. We pride ourselves in being a community of seekers. We are a place which struggles to ask the larger questions of life. Classes for adults are offered throughout the year in various formats and on a wide variety of subjects. We offer classes on issues of ethics, faith in the work place, spiritual formation, worship and many others. We also offer preparation for baptism and confirmation. To ask about specific areas of interest email garnsey@stbarts.org

See St. Bart’s and the World.

Explore St. Bartholomew’s—a designated New York City landmark in the heart of midtown Manhattan. A free tour is offered at 12:15pm on Sundays, following the 11 am service. We can also arange special tours for your group: for rates and information call 212-378-0211 or email tours@stbarts.org.

St. Bartholomew’s Artists Guild welcomes all visual artists and those interested in the visual arts. The group meets monthly to share artwork and support each other in our vocations as artists. For more information, contact St. Bart’s Central at central@stbarts.org.

St. Bart’s is home to a swimming pool, gymnasium, and dance studio. All of these are available to rent for classes, lessons, and practices. For rental information, contact Natalie Pena Palmer, Athletic Coordinator, at 212-378-0219 or palmer@stbarts.org.

See Dance classes.

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which one becomes a Christian and a member of Christ’s body, the Church. Baptisms are scheduled throughout the year on specific Sundays. Preparation classes are offered regularly. For infants and children, contact Kathy Bozzuti-Jones at kbozzuti-jones@stbarts.org. For adults, contact the Rev. Elizabeth Garnseyat garnsey@stbarts.org.

See Who was St. Bartholomew?.

For basketball court rental information, contact Natalie Pena Palmer, Athletic Coordinator, at 212-378-0219 or palmer@stbarts.org.

St. Bart’s offers a variety of Bible study opportunities, including Tuesday morning and Thursday lunchtime. Check the monthly calendar or email central@stbarts.org.

BOLD (Business Outreach Lord Directed), founded in 1989, offers a non-denominational Bible teaching on Tuesdays at 12:45 at St. Bartholomew’s. Business leaders and ministers from a wide variety of Christian backgrounds take turns preaching on selected texts. Information: central@stbarts.org.

Current and hard-to-find titles for believers and seekers and those who are interested in spiritual growth. Virtual access to over 250,000 titles. Located eight steps from Park Avenue at 51st Street and open 8 am to 6 pm, 365 days a year. Information: 212-378-0295 or asher@stbarts.org. Selected items are also available 24 hours a day at our online bookstore.

St. Bart’s sponsors Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops which meet during the school year. Contact Rose Lawson at lawson@stbarts.org.

A soup kitchen operating on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 am. To volunteer, contact the Rev. John David Clarke at clarke@stbarts.org.

Café St. Bart’s is open on the Great Terrace on the corner of Park and 50th Street in summer, and in a delightful indoor space during the fall and winter. Cafe St. Bart's serves weekday lunch and Sunday brunch. For menus and hours, visit the Café’s new web site at www.cafestbarts.com, or call 212-593-3333 for reservations.

St. Bart’s Career Assistance Center provides a thorough teaching, coaching and support system for those who are unemployed or in job transition. In addition to extending such support to people seeking work, we also offer additional elective courses on subjects such as the spirituality of career and calling. Questions? Contact St. Bart’s Central

The Center for Religious Inquiry™ is an interreligious program, based here at St. Bartholomew’s Church, and directed by an ordained rabbi. The Center for Religious Inquiry is an opportunity for religious seekers—of any background or affiliation—to learn in an open and welcoming environment. Our instructors are distinguished academics, known for their superior teaching skills. If you are interested in thinking about religious and spiritual issues, if you want to explore your own faith or the faith of others, or if you just love learning, click here to explore the most recent catalog. Questions? Email central@stbarts.org.

See St. Bart’s Central.

St. Bartholomew’s offers child care for children four and under during the 9 am and 11 am services every Sunday, and for many parish throughout the year. Our trained, professional staff of caregivers enjoy children and provide a safe, peaceful environment for them. Questions? Contact Kathy Bozzuti-Jones at kbozzuti-jones@stbarts.org. See also Children, Sunday School.

St. Bartholomew’s welcomes children! We like them and we regard them as full-fledged members of our community. We welcome children at all services. The 9 o’clock service is planned with families in mind and the 11 o’clock service features Children Time in the Chapel (during the adult sermon), after which the children return to the service. For more information on our children’s programs email kbozzuti-jones@stbarts.org. See also Boy and Girl Choristers, Child Care, Community Preschool, Summer at St. Bart’s, and Sunday School.

St. Bartholomew’s Choir is a fully auditioned ensemble of expert choral singers from the New York City area. They sing for the church’s Sunday 11 am services, as well as major concerts throughout the year as part of the church’s Great Music Series. Auditions for choral and deputy positions are held in the late summer. Contact: William K. Trafka, 212-378-0226. (For other musical opportunities for adults, see our Music section.)

Conducted by Mr. Paolo Bordignon, the Boy & Girl Choristers rehearse four days weekly and sing each Sunday at 11:00 am. They have performed in notable churches and cathedrals in both the United States and the United Kingdom, appeared nationally on the major television networks, and recorded on several professional labels. Singers, grades 1–12, are recruited from all boroughs of New York City, New York state, and beyond. For more information contact Mr. Bordignon at 212-378-0225 or bordignon@stbarts.org.

A nonsectarian organization for adults, which offers many opportunities for social activities, such as Broadway theater evenings, seasonal parties and outings, dance clases, and more. For more information, please call the club office at 212-378-0216 or email cityclub@stbarts.org

St. Bartholomew’s offers many programs to aid the less fortunate, including a breakfast feeding program (soup kitchen) on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday mornings; a food pantry; and an eight-bed shelter. We also host a nightly soup kitchen, a mobile medical van on Monday and Wednesday morning. Click here for a detailed description of our Community Ministry programs. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Rev. J.D. Clarke at 212-378-0229 or clarke@stbarts.org.

See Music, below.

See Psychotherapy and Spirituality Institute (PSI).

St. Bartholomew’s twice-monthly newsletter contains news and information about this dynamic parish at a major urban crossroads. Contact leone@stbarts.org to be placed on the parish mailing list. New: Click here to read Crossroads online. W e also offer a weekly email update, St. Bart’s eNews.

Cursillo (a Spanish term meaning “short course on Christianity”) is a plan for living a Christian life. As a movement within the church, its purpose is to help individuals understand their personal callings to be Christian leaders, and to exercise their positive influence at work, in their family and social life, in leisure activities, and within the church environment. Cursillo begins with a 3-day weekend (Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon), which is not a traditional retreat, but rather a gathering of clergy and laity from the diocese who are seeking to strengthen their faith through shared prayer, worship, study, discussions, fellowship, laughter, and love. Most importantly, Cursillo provides continuing support through ongoing small “reunion groups,” where participants meet regularly to share reflection on their prayer life, Christian study, and involvement in the world, and sustain themselves and each other in their Christian walk. For more information, email the Rev. John David Clarke at clarke@stbarts.org.

See Center for Religious Inquiry.

Is it time to work on your waltz? Freshen up your foxtrot? The City Club sponsors ballroom dance classes on Wednesday nights throughout the year. For more information, email cityclub@stbarts.org.

For rental information, contact Natalie Pena Palmer, Athletic Coordinator, at 212-378-0219 or palmer@stbarts.org.

See Summer at St. Bart’s.

Learn to lead tours of St. Bartholomew’s unique sacred space. Contact: central@stbarts.org

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Family Forums are a monthly opportunity to hear about and discuss topics relating to the emotional and spiritual development of children, adolescents and families. The forums are offered on Sundays at 10:10 am. For more information about Family Forums, contact Kathy Bozzuti-Jones at kbozzuti-jones@stbarts.org. You can also sign up for free weekly eNews updates on family and other activities by clicking here.

The flowers at St. Bartholomew’s are paid for exclusively by donations to the Flower Fund. Without these donations, there can be no flowers. Help us keep the church in full bloom by donating flowers in memory of, or in honor of, someone special—or in thanksgiving for a special blessing or event. The names you designate will be published in the church bulletin. Click here to make a flower memorial donation online.

Providing non-perishable food for eligible persons once a month. By appointment only. To make an appointment or to volunteer, contact the Rev. John David Clarke at clarke@stbarts.org.

The 40/50-Something Group meets for discussion, prayer, and social events. For more information email St. Bart’s Central at central@stbarts.org.

A death in the family can be reported to any of the clergy, using the pastoral emergency phone if necessary (212-378-0250). Clergy will assist with funeral/memorial plans and can recommend the services of an undertaker. Clergy can be reached during weekday business hours by calling the main switchboard at 212-378-0200.

See Lesbian and Gay Fellowship.

See St. Bart’s and the World.

The Great Music series is a major component of St. Bartholomew’s year-round musical offerings. Great Music is a series of choral and organ concerts featuring St. Bartholomew’s Choir and internationally renowned guest artists. The season runs from September through May. Click here for the current season schedule.

St. Bart’s is committed to supporting people through times of grief and loss. “Praying through Grief and Loss” is a prayer group that provides time and space to share the reality of grief with others, in a safe and nurturing environment. Through prayer, reading from the Psalms and quiet song, we acknowledge our vulnerability before God and allow ourselves to be touched by grace. This prayer group is led by members of the St. Bart’s Healing Prayer Team, and meets two to three times a year, in four-week cycles. For information, contact St. Bart’s Central at central@stbarts.org.

For basketball court rental information, contact Natalie Pena Palmer, Athletic Coordinator, at 212-378-0219 or palmer@stbarts.org.

The Handbell Choir is an exceptional group of ensemble musicians who play on a set of English Handbells manufactured at the Taylor Foundry in Great Britain. Their repertoire includes bell accompaniments to plainsong, solo works for handbells, and arrangements of well known classical works. The choir rehearses once per week and performs at both the 9:00 am and 11:00 a.m. liturgies once every six weeks. For more information, contact the Music Office at 212-378-0226. (For more opportunities, see the Music section, below.)

See St. Bartholomew’s History.

See Community Ministry.

Hospitality Ministry volunteers present a warm and friendly welcome to the thousands of visitors, guests and members who enter our portals annually, whether for worship, musical performances, or other public events. To serve in this capacity or for further information contact St. Bart’s Central at central@stbarts.org or Katherine Preece at kpreece@earthlink.net

See Center for Religious Inquiry.

See St. Bart’s and the World.

The Island Club at St. Bart’s is a non-sectarian social club that focuses on the lesbian and gay community and its friends, but welcomes all. Its social events offer the opportunity to meet new friends and to reconnect with old ones. For more information, contact the Rev. Bruce W. Forbes at 212-378-0210 or forbes@stbarts.org. See also Lesbian and Gay Fellowship.

See Career Assistance Center.

See Children.

Click here for a calendar of upcoming events. Organized in 1997, the Lesbian & Gay Fellowship at St. Bart’s meets monthly in an effort to address the pastoral and supportive needs and concerns of lesbian and gay parishioners. The Fellowship sponsors a variety of events, informal get togethers, and guest speakers. Fellowship activities are open to all interested parishioners and visitors to St. Bartholomew’s. For more information about the fellowship contact St. Bart’s Central at 212-378-0222 or email central@stbarts.org.

Contact Lynn Goswick at 212-378-0239 or goswick@stbarts.org.

Membership in St. Bartholomew’s church is based on desire. If you are baptized (or desire to be baptized) and you intend to make this parish your principal community of worship and you will support the ministries of the parish, you may have your self recorded as a member of the parish. We offer several opportunities throughout the year when new members are “welcomed” at our worship on Sunday mornings. We also offer opportunities for adult Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation. For more information on membership contact: ralston@stbarts.org.

When St. Bartholomew’s brought Leopold Stowkowski from Europe in 1905 to be its organist, it made what turned out to be a lasting commitment to great music. We offer music series throughout the year, including the Great Music series in the fall and spring, and the Summer Festival of Sacred Music from June to September. If you like to sing, we have opportunities for a wide range of voices and experience (see St. Bartholomew’s Choir, Schola Cantorum, and St. Bart’s Singers). We also offer choirs for young people in grades 1–12 (see St. Bartholomew’s Boy & Girl Choristers) and an all-volunteer Handbell Choir. For more information, see the related sections or contact the Music Office at trafka@stbarts.org.

See Crossroads.

The Parish Council is a representative body of parish members which works with the vestry and staff to plan and implement parish ministries and programs. The council acts as a forum for ideas and as place which the membership at large can turn to with suggestions and concerns. The council is composed of five elected members and five members appointed by the Rector, Wardens, and Chairperson of the Council. The Council has divided the overall ministries of the parish into five broad categories: Growth, Christian Community, Christian Formation, Worship, and Outreach. The mission of the Council is to help the parish grow in number and depth. The Parish Council welcomes your comments and suggestions about all aspects of life at St. Bartholomew’s. Please send correspondence to Parish Council, c/o info@stbarts.org.

Parish Weekends Away are a wonderful opportunity to take a break from the city, and relax and recharge with other parishioners and clergy. For more information, email central@stbarts.org.

For Sunday worshippers, free parking is provided in the Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel New York City Parking Garage, 51st Street between Lexington and Third Avenues (51st Street is one-way west). Present your claim ticket to an usher and receive a card for all-day parking on Sundays (good for 12 hours or until midnight, whichever comes first). For more information, email info@stbarts.org.

For those in hospitals, nursing homes, or confined to their own homes. Contact the Rev. Bruce W. Forbes at 212-378-0210 or forbes@stbarts.org.

See St. Bart’s Players

See Swimming.

Need prayer for yourself or others? St. Bart’s maintains a continuous prayer list at weekday and Sunday services. Send your request to prayers@stbarts.org, or leave a voice message on our Verger/Worship office line at 212-378-0204.

Members of the parish who are interested are trained to offer prayers and the laying-on-of-hands at our Sunday morning worship. People come for prayers for themselves, loved ones, or friends. The Prayer Team meets quarterly to discuss other opportunities for prayer and healing. For more information email St. Bart’s Central at central@stbarts.org.

St. Bartholomew Community Preschool is a licensed preschool program that has served young children for more than 30 years. Open to the community, the Preschool provides a high quality, family-centered early childhood education to children ages 2 through 6 in an extensive facility with diversified student and faculty members.

In addition, the Preschool sponsors Playgroups and French and Spanish classes for preschoolers. For information, please contact Mary Ponce at 212-378-0238/0223 or ponce@stbarts.org.

See Media Relations.

The Psychotherapy and Spirituality Institute (PSI) at St. Bartholomew’s offers counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. The Institute offers a safe, confidential place to explore blocks to growth and satisfying relationships. Our staff consists of highly trained professionals who are respectful of diverse spiritual values. For more information, please call 212-935-5023.

PSI/St. Bart’s is part of a wider network, the Psychotherapy and Spirituality Institute (formerly the Counseling and Human Development Center), with seven locations in New York City churches. Its staff consists of professionals in the disciplines of pastoral psychotherapy, clinical social work, and psychology. They represent expertise in helping with a wide range of problems. Click here to visit their website.

Enjoy music of St. Bartholomew’s Choir, the Boy & Girl Choristers, and our talented organists on a growing number of compact disks. The CDs are available in St. Bart’s Book & Gift Shop, open 7 days a week in the narthex—or purchase CDs online at our new internet bookstore.

Rector’s Forums are held on Sundays at 10:10 am and address a wide variety of issues. Led by visiting speakers, the Rector, or other members of the St. Bart’s community, the Rector’s Forum is a timely and thought-provoking part of Sunday mornings at St. Bart’s. For information on upcoming topics and speakers, check our monthly calendar or contact info@stbarts.org.

Reinventing Church is a three-day conference at which we have offered insight into what we have learned about actual church growth for real churches. Click here for Bill Tully’s February 2007 letter about Reinventing Church.

St. Bartholomew’s offers many unique spaces for special events, including the 5,000-square-foot Great Terrace on the corner of Park Avenue and 50th Street, a smaller terrace on the third floor overlooking Park Avenue, and many rooms of various sizes in-between. For further information on rentals in this designated landmark building, contact Linda Flynn Bayer at 212-378-0254 or email bayer@stbarts.org.

The Sailing Committee offers a unique sailing opportunity. Through the Club’s training, cruising, racing, and maintenance programs, you can participate in all aspects of sailing and boat ownership without investing hundreds of dollars in lessons or thousands in your own vessel. The Club’s sailors manage, maintain and sail Bright Star, a 34-foot sloop built in 1980 by Sabre Yachts and berthed in New Rochelle, NY—30 minutes from Grand Central. In the spring, summer, and fall she sails all day Saturday and Sunday and several weekday evenings. A typical day includes sailing along the coast of Long Island’s north shore, and Statue of Liberty cruises are also very popular. For more information, call the Sailing Hotline at 212-378-0294 or visit the St. Bart’s Sailing web site.

An ensemble formed for the purpose of performing and perfecting the art of singing plainsong, the unison chant, originally unaccompanied, which was the musical basis of Christian liturgy from the beginnings of the Church. Singing plainsong within an ensemble can be one of the most spiritually satisfying musical experiences for a singer. Although demanding, since it requires good reading abilities as well as the sensitivity to blend well in an ensemble and a clear tone, it is well worth the challenge. If you feel you would like to make a commitment to such an ensemble or would like to find out more information, please call the music office at 212-378-0226 or send email to trafka@stbarts.org. Interested persons should be good readers who can produce a straight clear tone, and love plainsong. (For other musical opportunities, see the Music section.)

Housing for eight persons, seven nights a week, provided only through Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter. To volunteer, contact the Rev. John David Clarke at 212-378-0229 or clarke@stbarts.org.

See Pastoral Care, Off-Site.

Play ball! Saturdays in July in Central Park, with fun for all ages. Contact St. Bart’s Central for field location details.

This vibrant ministry is committed to exploring opportunities for global commitment that make a difference in our world. As a group we are striving, with God’s help, for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being. The group focuses on a variety of working areas, including Global and Third World Issues, AIDS, and International Partnerships. For more information on how you can get involved, contact the Rev. Kevin Bean at bean@stbarts.org.

St. Bart’s@Home is our name for a number of small groups which meet regularly in homes of parishioners for bible study, prayer and fellowship. These groups will meet weekly or biweekly at different times of the week, at locations throughout the city and in the suburbs. To take part in a St. Bart’s@Home group, contact St. Bart’s Central at 212-378-0244 or email central@stbarts.org.

St. Bart’s Central provides information, tickets, registration, answers to questions—all in one central location. St. Bart’s Central is open daily in the narthex (church lobby). You can also reach St. Bart’s Central by phone at 212-378-0222 or by email at central@stbarts.org.

Now in their 79th season, the Players—the longest-running community theater in New York City—enjoy a long tradition of high quality off-off-Broadway theater, with an award-winning roster of alumni, including Ethel Merman and Linda Hunt. Stage managing, running lights and sound, acting, helping with props, costumes, and lighting-The Players run the entire theater process on a voluntary basis. For more information, please call the Players Hotline at 212-378-0217 or visit their web site. Click here to buy tickets online!

An auditioned group of dedicated volunteer singers which sings for the 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning service and festival services throughout the year. Repertoire includes spirituals, folk songs, and the great anthems of the church. To arrange for membership contact the Music Office at at 212-378-0226 or trafka@stbarts.org. (For additional musical opportunities, see the Music section.)

For the 2008 season, Summer at St. Bart’s is offering two camps that include swimming every day: St. Bart’s Day Camp (June 11–August 24), which is perfect for 3 1/2 year–9-year-olds, and Island Sports Camp (June 25–August 24) for 6–13-year-olds who like something a little more sporty. Click here to download the 2008 camp brochure. To register, schedule a family tour at your convenience or for more information, contact Petunia Dey at 212-378-0203 or dey@stbarts.org.

During the months of June, July, August, and early September, St. Bartholomew’s Summer Festival of Sacred Music, a New York institution, celebrates a new season with a series of outstanding choral works from around the world. Each Sunday of the festival begins with an organ prelude at 10:45 am and the day’s piece is presented within the context of St. Bartholomew’s 11 am church service. Click here for the complete season schedule.

St. Bartholomew’s Sunday School meets every Sunday of the year at 10 o’clock and uses the “Living the Good News Curriculum,” the Bible, and the Prayer Book. We meet in the chapel for prayer and music, then dismiss to age appropriate classrooms. Classes are open enrollment and available for grades Pre-K through 6th grade. Middle and High School students meet weekly for bible study, projects and activities geared toward teenagers. In the summer months, children 4–14 years enjoy the Summer Artists in Residence Program, with weekly workshops led by professional artists of the parish. They work in many different mediums including watercolor, clay, stained glass. This year we are also offering workshops in comedy and songwriting. For more information please contact Kathy Bozzuti-Jones at kbozzuti-jones @stbarts.org. (Adults are invited to attend the Rector’s Forum during the Sunday School hour.)

For rentals or lap swim information, contact Natalie Pena Palmer, Athletic Coordinator, at 212-378-0219 or palmer@stbarts.org.

See St. Bart’s Players

Tour the spectacular sacred space of St. Bartholomew’s every Sunday at 12:15 pm, following the 11am service. We can also arrange special tours for your group: for rates and information for group tours call 212-378-0211 or email tours@stbarts.org.

The 20/30-Something Group meets for discussion, prayer, and social events. For more information email St. Bart’s Central or group2030@stbarts.org.

See Career Assistance Center.

The Vestry of St. Bartholomew’s is the legal, canonical (church law) and financial “board of trustees” for the church. Members are elected for three-year terms and lead the parish in setting policies and goals, maintaining the buildings, and raising financial support for the mission of the parish. For questions about the Vestry or to contact individual members, email ralston@stbarts.org.

A warm welcome to historic Saint Bartholomew’s Church, a designated New York City landmark and living center of Christian hospitality at this busy crossroads, awaits you just a few steps from Park Avenue. Information, history and program information available 8 am to 6 pm 365 days a year. Call 212-378-0222 or email central@stbarts.org.

Volunteer opportunities at St. Bartholomew’s range from serving breakfast in our soup kitchen to greeting visitors and friends on Sunday mornings, from selling tickets for the Great Music series to teaching Sunday School, from helping with stewardship campaigns to working in the bookstore. . . and the list goes on. To find out how you can get involved, contact St. Bart’s Central at central@stbarts.org.

For information on weddings and/or wedding receptions at St. Bartholomew’s, please contact Linda Flynn Bayer at 212-378-0254 or bayer@stbarts.org.

Frederick Buechner said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” How does one find that intersection, and how can one discern whether a call is from God? This four-week class considers these and other questions from perspectives of various arenas in which we live: family, work, friendships, church, community, the nation and planet. This group is structured in a listening and supportive format. Led by the Rev. Kevin Bean ( bean@stbarts.org).

Summer in Britain. Experience a new culture, perform valuable community service, and develop personal skills. You’ll receive free room and board while enjoying the hospitality of British families. Call 212-378-0271 for more information.

August 24 in the church calendar is the feast day of our patron saint, Bartholomew. But just who is Bartholomew?

He was one of Jesus’ 12 original apostles. In the synoptic gospels, Bartholomew is listed with the other apostles, but not referred to elsewhere. In the Acts of the Apostles, he is mentioned as being in the upper room in Jerusalem with the others. But the Gospel of John tells us much more about Bartholomew, although he is referred to as Nathanael.

According to John, it was Philip who introduced Bartholomew to Jesus. Jesus first saw him sitting under a fig tree and later remarked, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:43-49). John also says that Bartholomew was present when Jesus showed himself by the Sea of Tiberias.

In addition to what scripture tells us of Bartholomew’s life, a fair number of stories about our patron saint have accumulated over the centuries. No doubt some were embroidered in the retelling. While in Armenia, Bartholomew gained the favor of King Polemius by curing his daughter of some malady. Polemius and his family then converted to Christianity. But this conversion so infuriated King Astrages, Polemius’ brother, that Bartholomew was martyred by the gruesome method of being flayed alive.

The flaying knife became the symbol for St. Bartholomew in art. When Michelangelo painted the "Last Judgment" on the wall of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, he depicted St. Bartholomew holding a knife in one hand and his skin in the other!

In the gable over the west front of St. Bartholomew’s Church is a circular medallion containing three such knives. A likeness of St. Bartholomew is on one of the southern pair of bronze doors at the Park Avenue entrance of the church. The visitor will also find several of the events in the life of our patron saint illustrated in eight relief panels in the lintels of the doorways at the crossing.

Tour the spectacular sacred space of St. Bartholomew’s every weekday, Monday through Friday at 11 am and 1 pm. Cost for the weekday tour is $5. A free highlights tour is offered at 12:15pm on Sundays, following the 11am service. For more information or for group rates call 212-378-0222 or email central@stbarts.org.

See 20/30 Something Group, above.

See St. Bart’s and the World..

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