Saint Epaphroditus
Saint Epaphroditus (1st century AD) was a companion and co-worker of the Apostle Paul, mentioned in the letters to the Philippians. He was sent by the church of Philippi to bring financial aid to Paul during his imprisonment and to assist him. During this mission Epaphroditus fell gravely ill — nearly unto death, Paul writes — and after his recovery Paul sent him back to Philippi. He is honored as a bishop and apostolic man; some traditions identify him as the first Bishop of Philippi or of Terracina. His feast day in the Roman Martyrology is March 22.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Epaphroditus
| Saint Epaphroditus | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | March 22 |
| Profession | Apostolic emissary; bishop (in some traditions); companion of Saint Paul |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; early Apostolic church |
| Patronage | Philippi; companions of missionaries |
| Attributes | Book (Epistle to the Philippians); palm of discipleship; bishop's vestments (some traditions) |
| Birthplace | Philippi, Macedonia (modern northern Greece) |
| Death Place | Unknown; possibly Philippi or Terracina |
| Cause of Death | Unknown; natural causes; died after Paul's lifetime |
| Primary Shrine | Archaeological site of ancient Philippi, northern Greece — site of the first European church; Paul's prison; venerated broadly among Orthodox Christians and Catholics |
| Liturgical Class | Not in universal Roman Calendar; March 22 in the Roman Martyrology |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Epaphroditus is known primarily through Saint Paul's letter to the Philippians (Philippians 2:25–30 and 4:18). Paul calls him my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. The Philippians had sent him to deliver a financial contribution to Paul during his imprisonment (probably at Rome, c. 61–63 AD) and to render personal service.
While with Paul, Epaphroditus became so seriously ill that news of his condition reached Philippi and caused distress. He recovered, and Paul sent him back to the Philippians carrying the letter we know as the Epistle to the Philippians. Paul praises him warmly and asks the Philippians to receive him with great joy and to honor him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me (Philippians 2:30).
Paul addresses him with four titles: brother, co-worker, fellow soldier, your apostolos (messenger/apostle), and leitourgos (minister) of my need — all terms of deep respect.
Some early traditions identify this Epaphroditus with the Epaphroditus (or Epaphras) mentioned in Colossians 1:7 and 4:12, though these may be different individuals. Later tradition names him as the first bishop of Philippi or of Terracina (Anxur) in Latium.
His feast day in the Roman Martyrology is March 22.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Philippi, Macedonia (modern northern Greece)
Death location: Unknown; possibly Philippi or Terracina
Notable location: His home church; he was the emissary sent by the Philippians to Paul; the ruins of ancient Philippi are a major archaeological and pilgrimage site in northern Greece (Philippi, Macedonia, Greece)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Ancient Philippi, Kavala, northern Greece — archaeological site; ruins of the first European church; Paul's prison; a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Feast day
March 22
Veneration
Saint Epaphroditus is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church on March 22. He is also venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Prayers
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