Saint Apostle Carpus
of the Seventy.

Saint Carpus was one of the Seventy Apostles chosen and sent forth to preach by Christ (Luke 10:1). His inclusion among this group signifies that he was numbered among the early disciples whom the Lord chose to expand His mission beyond the Twelve Apostles.

Carpus first appears in the historical record as a resident of Troas, an important Christian center in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Carpus was likely a believer in Troas. Paul had been there in the past on two mentioned occasions (Acts 16 and 20) and apparently a third time prior to his second Roman imprisonment. His prominence in his local community and his relationship with Paul suggest that Carpus had already become established in faith before his apostolic calling was formalized.

In his second Epistle to Timothy, St. Paul requests, "The phelonion that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books." This request, made as Paul faced the end of his earthly ministry, shows the intimate trust the Apostle placed in Carpus. The books and parchments mentioned represent both the sacred texts and written materials essential to the apostolic work—items of great spiritual and practical value.

Saint Carpus is included in the circle of the seventy disciples of Christ and, according to the Second Epistle to Timothy, he was a companion and collaborator of the Apostle Paul and developed a great missionary activity in Troas. He became a bishop in a province of Thrace and distinguished himself as a wise teacher, a capable spiritual leader and a militant defender of the truth. He was bishop of Verria in Macedonia.

He also preached the Gospel on Crete, where he received St. Dionysius the Areopagite in his home. St. Dionysius testifies that Carpus was a man with an exceptionally pure mind, meekness and innocence; that the Lord Jesus, with His angels, appeared to him in a vision; and that he never began the Divine Liturgy without first receiving a heavenly vision. This remarkable testimony indicates Carpus's exceptional holiness and his close communion with the Lord through mystical experience.

Like his teacher, the Apostle Paul, Carpus suffered many trials and imprisonments, which he endured with joy, setting an example of faith and self-denial for the faithful. The apostle's willingness to accept persecution mirrors the sufferings of his mentor, Paul, and demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the Gospel even in the face of opposition.

Enduring many assaults for the name of Christ, he finally suffered at the hands of the unbelieving Jews and was slain. His soul took up habitation in the Kingdom of God, there to delight eternally, gazing upon the Lord in glory. Though the exact circumstances of his martyrdom are not fully documented, the Orthodox tradition affirms that he sealed his faith with the ultimate sacrifice.

The holy, glorious, all-laudable Apostle Carpus of the Seventy is commemorated by the Church on May 26 with St. Alphaeus, and on January 4 with the Seventy. His feast day is celebrated in both the general commemoration of all the Seventy Apostles and in an individual feast shared with his fellow apostle Alphaeus.

For this reason even when he reposed in peace and delivered his spirit to the Lord, his relics continued to work miracles on a daily basis, healing all types of illnesses and diseases, and banishing evil spirits from the possessed. The ongoing veneration of Saint Carpus testifies to the living presence of his intercession in the Church.

Saint Carpus remains a model of faithful discipleship, hospitality, and perseverance in the apostolic tradition. His brief but significant mention in Scripture and his honored place in the Orthodox calendar ensure that his witness to the Gospel and his companionship with the Apostle Paul continue to inspire the faithful to this day.

Apostle Carpus was one of the Seventy Apostles chosen and sent forth to preach by Christ (Luke 10:1). Though his name appears only once in Scripture, it carries profound significance for the early Christian Church.

In his second Epistle to Timothy, St. Paul requests, "The phelonion that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books." This brief mention reveals that Carpus was a trusted friend and host to the Apostle Paul, who had entrusted him with both personal and precious items during his travels. Carpus was evidently a believer of means and spiritual maturity in Troas, an important city in Asia Minor.

Saint Carpus is included in the circle of the seventy disciples of Christ and, according to the Second Epistle to Timothy, he was a companion and collaborator of the Apostle Paul and developed a great missionary activity in Troas. He became a bishop in a province of Thrace and distinguished himself as a wise teacher, a capable spiritual leader and a militant defender of the truth. Like his teacher, the Apostle Paul, Carpus suffered many trials and imprisonments, which he endured with joy, setting an example of faith and self-denial for the faithful.

He also preached the Gospel on Crete, where he received St. Dionysius the Areopagite in his home. St. Dionysius testifies that Carpus was a man with an exceptionally pure mind, meekness and innocence; that the Lord Jesus, with His angels, appeared to him in a vision; and that he never began the Divine Liturgy without first receiving a heavenly vision. This testimony from a contemporary apostle illuminates the exceptional spiritual character of Saint Carpus and his devotion to the sacred mysteries.

He died peacefully in old age. His memory is venerated throughout the Orthodox Church as that of a faithful apostle and bishop who labored tirelessly for the Gospel and served as a bridge between the apostolic age and the age of the early bishops.