Fortunatus, Akhaikos and Stephanas

The Holy Apostles Fortunatus, Akhaikos and Stephanas of the Seventy were coworkers of the Apostle Paul who, with all their heart and soul, helped to spread the Gospel among the nations. Saint Paul mentions all three in his first Epistle to the Corinthians (16:17): "I rejoice in the presence of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Akhaikos, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part; for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Therefore give recognition to such men." The household of Stephanas was among the first fruits of the province of Achaia (1 Corinthians 16:15) and was baptized by Paul, who declares that they devoted themselves to serving the saints.

Fortunatus is perhaps the Latin name of Tychicus, mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as coming from Asia and accompanying Paul (Acts 20:4). Tychicus delivered two of Paul's epistles (Ephesians 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7). It is not certain, however, that Fortunatus and Tychicus are the same individual. They are commemorated on 15 June (new style; 28 June on the old calendar).