Apostle
Onesimus of the Seventy
Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy
New Calendar February 15 Old Calendar February 28
Why they are a saint
Onesimus is the runaway slave of the Epistle to Philemon, later numbered among the Seventy. Apostles are honored as the first witnesses who carried the Gospel. The faithful remember the apostles as the foundation of the Church's preaching. The New Calendar feast is February 15.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Onesimus of the Seventy as a patron when they bear the name Onesimus at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 15. Those who share his calling as a missionary also ask his prayers.
Prayer
O holy Onesimus 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.