Saint Apostle Herodion
of the Seventy.

Herodion belonged to the first generation of Christians and was chosen by Christ as one of the Seventy Apostles commissioned to preach the Gospel. As a relative of Saint Paul, he became his companion on many journeys. Though little is recorded of his early years, his connection to Paul and his calling as one of the Seventy marked him as a devoted disciple of Christ from the beginning of the apostolic age.

When Christianity had spread to the Balkan Peninsula, the Apostles Peter and Paul established Saint Herodion as Bishop of Patara. In this episcopal role, Saint Herodion zealously preached the Word of God and converted many of the Greek pagans and Jews to Christianity. His pastoral ministry was marked by fervent witness to Christ and active evangelism in the region.

Herodion's apostolic labors provoked fierce opposition. Enraged by the preaching of the disciple, the idol-worshippers and Jews with one accord fell upon Saint Herodion, and they began to beat him with sticks and pelt him with stones. One of the mob struck him with a knife, and the saint fell down. But when the murderers were gone, the Lord restored him to health unharmed. This miraculous recovery strengthened his witness and enabled him to continue his ministry.

Saint Herodion continued to accompany the Apostle Paul for many years. When the holy Apostle Peter was crucified (+ c. 67), Saint Herodion and Saint Olympos were beheaded by the sword at the same time, completing their martyrdom under the persecution of Emperor Nero. He achieved the crown of martyrdom having faithfully witnessed to Christ unto death.

Saint Herodion is commemorated in the Eastern Orthodox Church as one of the Seventy Apostles and honored as a hieromartyr. His feast days are celebrated on January 4 among the Seventy, April 8, and November 10. His example of faithful witness under persecution, combined with his apostolic labors alongside Paul and Peter, continues to inspire Orthodox Christians to persevere in faith despite worldly opposition.

The Church venerates Herodion as a model of apostolic courage and fidelity. His life exemplifies the call to proclaim Christ boldly even in hostile circumstances, and his martyrdom represents the ultimate witness that seals the apostolic mission in blood. His intercessions are sought by the faithful, particularly those facing persecution for their faith.

Apostle Herodion of the Seventy was among the Seventy Apostles, chosen by Christ and sent out by Him to preach. The holy Apostle Herodion was a relative of Saint Paul, and his companion on many journeys. His name appears in the New Testament, where he is greeted by the Apostle Paul in Romans 16:11: "Greet Herodion."

When Christianity had spread to the Balkan Peninsula, the Apostles Peter and Paul established Saint Herodion as Bishop of Patara. Saint Herodion zealously preached the Word of God and converted many of the Greek pagans and Jews to Christianity. However, enraged by the preaching of the disciple, the idol-worshippers and Jews with one accord fell upon Saint Herodion, and they began to beat him with sticks and pelt him with stones. One of the mob struck him with a knife, and the saint fell down. But when the murderers were gone, the Lord restored him to health unharmed.

Saint Herodion continued to accompany the Apostle Paul for many years. Eventually, when the holy Apostle Peter was crucified (+ c. 67), Saint Herodion and Saint Olympos were beheaded by the sword at the same time. He received the crown of martyrdom under the Roman Emperor Nero, having witnessed faithfully to Christ in both his episcopal ministry and his final martyrdom in Rome.