Quartus of Berytus

The Holy Apostle Quartus of the Seventy was, according to church tradition, bishop of Berytus (Beirut). He is mentioned by Saint Paul in the Epistle to the Romans (16:23). He is celebrated on 10 November and, with the rest of the Seventy, on 4 January.

Saint Paul writes from Corinth: "Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother." No sure information about his person has survived: from his Latin name (Quartus means "fourth") he was perhaps a Roman, and fairly well known among Christians of the time, since Paul sends in his name a greeting to the Church of Rome. The Greek and Slavic menaia say only that he was bishop in Berytus. The Prologue adds that he suffered much for his faith, turned many Greeks to Christ and fell asleep in peace as bishop of Berytus.

According to another account, born in Athens, he was one of its rich and learned nobles. He believed in the Lord Christ and served Him; having received the grace of the Comforter on the day of Pentecost, he preached the Gospel in many countries. He entered the city of Magnis and preached there; the people of the city believed, he baptized them and taught them the commandments. He then returned to Athens, to preach there also, but they stoned him and tortured him severely. Despite all his sufferings he survived and fell asleep in peace at Berytus. He brought many to the Christian faith.

Troparion, Tone 3 (for the Holy Apostles Erastus, Olympas, Herodion, Sosipater, Quartus and Tertius): Holy Apostles, entreat the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.

Kontakion, Tone 2: Illumined by divine light, O holy apostles, you wisely destroyed the works of idolatry; when you caught all the pagans you brought them to the Master and taught them to glorify the Trinity.