St. Peter
St. Peter was from Bethsaida in Galilee. Peter was the leading disciple, being considered the first of the twelve. St. Peter was the frequent spokesman among them and together with the brothers James and John formed the inner circle. Christ called him “Petros” the rock upon whose confession he would build his church (Math 16:16-18). Two Epistles are ascribed to him. St. Peter is symbolized by two keys which represent the power to bind and absolve. They are also symbols of the spiritual authority of the Church.