Apostle
Epaphroditus of the Seventy
Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy
New Calendar March 30 Old Calendar April 12
Why they are a saint
Epaphroditus is named in the Epistle to the Philippians as a fellow-worker of Paul, and is numbered among the Seventy. Apostles are honored as the first witnesses who carried the Gospel. The Church commemorates him with the apostolic company that first carried the Gospel.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Epaphroditus of the Seventy as a patron when they bear the name Epaphroditus at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 30. Those who share his calling as a missionary also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy Epaphroditus of the Seventy, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.