Who Was St Joseph the Betrothed?

AMERICAN PROTESTANT

1) Carpenter: “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary?” (Matthew 13:55a).

2) Husband of Mary: “… Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ” (Matthew 1:16).

3) A Just Man and Guardian of Jesus: “… and her husband Joseph, being a just man” (Matthew 1:19a); “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus” (Matthew 1:24-25).

ROMAN CATHOLIC

1) Patron Saint: of the Universal Church; of the fight against Communism; of Workers, and of various countries and regions

2) Chaste Spouse of the Virgin: Tradition unclear, Jesus “brothers and sisters” believed to be cousins (or, the Orthodox position is also acceptable); believed to be chaste entire time wed to the Virgin

3) Upside-down Realtor: Though officially frowned upon by the Church, many religious goods manufacturers, retailers, and realtors place stock in the burying of a statue of St Joseph upside-down, and asking his intercessions, toward selling a house

EASTERN ORTHODOX

1- Widower & father: Jesus’ “brothers and sisters” were actually steps, children of Joseph’s previous marriage

2- Elderly When Chosen as Guardian: According to tradition (apocryphal writings), Joseph was chosen among others, due to a heavenly sign involving his staff, to be the guardian of the Virgin and the Lord

3- Betrothed of Mary: Along with Catholics, Orthodox believe Joseph was chaste — did not consummate marriage with the Virgin — during their life together

UNIVERSAL AGREEMENT

1- Family provider & guardian
2- Of the House of David
3- A righteous man