Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him

The holy Apostle Herodion was a relative of Saint Paul, and his companion on many journeys. When Christianity had spread to the Balkan Peninsula, the Apostles Peter and Paul established Saint Herodion as Bishop of Patara. Saint Herodion zealously preached the Word of God and converted many of the Greek pagans and Jews to Christianity.

Enraged by the preaching of the disciple, the idol-worshippers and Jews with one accord fell upon Saint Herodion, and they began to beat him with sticks and pelt him with stones. One of the mob struck him with a knife, and the saint fell down. But when the murderers were gone, the Lord restored him to health unharmed.

After this, Saint Herodion continued to accompany the Apostle Paul for years afterward. When the holy Apostle Peter was crucified (+ c. 67), Saint Herodion and Saint Olympos were beheaded by the sword at the same time.

The holy Apostle Agabus was endowed with the gift of prophecy. He predicted (Acts 11:27-28) the famine during the reign of the emperor Claudius (41-52), and foretold the suffering of the Apostle Paul at Jerusalem (Acts 21:11). Saint Agabus preached in many lands, and converted many pagans to Christ.

Saint Rufus, whom the holy Apostle Paul mentions in the Epistle to the Romans (Rom. 16:11-15), was bishop of the Greek city of Thebes. Saint Asyncritus (Rom. 16:14) was bishop in Hyrcania (Asia Minor). Saint Phlegon was bishop in the city of Marathon (Thrace). Saint Hermes was bishop in Dalmatia (there is another Apostle of the Seventy by the name of Hermas, who was bishop in the Thracian city of Philippopolis).

All these disciples for their intrepid service to Christ underwent fierce sufferings and were found worthy of a martyr’s crown.

Troparion — Tone 1

Let us praise in hymns the six-fold choir of Apostles: / Herodion and Agabus, / Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon and holy Hermes. / They ever entreat the Trinity for our souls!

Troparion — Tone 3

Holy Apostles / entreat the merciful God / to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.

Kontakion — Tone 4

With the light of the Holy Spirit, / you illumine the way of the faithful like stars, O Holy Apostles. / As you gaze on God the Word you repel the darkness of error.

Kontakion — Tone 2

You became the disciples of Christ / And all-holy Apostles, / O glorious Herodion, Agabus and Rufus, / Asyncritus, Phlegon and Hermes. / Ever entreat the Lord / To grant forgiveness of transgressions / To us who sing your praises.