Philemon and Archippus

The Holy Apostles of the Seventy Philemon and Archippus, together with Philemon's wife, the Holy Martyr Apphia, lived in the city of Colossae in Phrygia and received the crown of martyrdom in the persecution of Nero (54-68).

Philemon and Apphia were baptized by the holy Apostle Paul and turned their house into a house of prayer, where all who believed in Christ gathered. They devoted themselves to serving the sick and the downcast. Philemon became bishop of the city of Gaza and preached the Word of God throughout Phrygia. Saint Paul remained his guide and addressed to him an epistle full of love, sending blessing "to Philemon our beloved and fellow labourer, and to our sister Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house". Saint Onesimus (15 February), mentioned in the same epistle, had been Philemon's slave.

During a pagan festival an enraged crowd rushed into the church while the service was going on. All fled in terror, and only Philemon, Archippus and Apphia remained. They were seized and led to the city prefect. The crowd beat and stabbed Archippus, who died on the way, and the prefect sentenced Philemon and Apphia to be stoned to death.

They are commemorated on 22 November and on 19 February.