Saint Apostle Olympas
of the Seventy.

Apostle Olympas lived during the first century of Christianity. His name, Greek in origin (Ὀλυμπᾶς), means "heavenly." He was a Roman Christian whom Paul of Tarsus saluted in around 65 AD.

Olympas is regarded in the Eastern Orthodox Church as being one of the Seventy disciples appointed by Jesus during His ministry. The Seventy, distinct from the Twelve Apostles, were sent out by the Lord to prepare the way before Him in cities and places He intended to visit (Luke 10:1).

Saint Olympas was mentioned by the holy Apostle Paul (Rom 16:15) and was also a companion of the Apostle Peter. This companionship was not merely spiritual but involved shared missionary labor and, ultimately, shared martyrdom.

As a disciple of Peter, Olympas followed the chief Apostle to Rome, the great center of imperial power. There, in the capital of the pagan empire, he continued to proclaim Christ and build up the young Church, working alongside Peter and other faithful servants of the Lord.

Saints Rodion and Olympas were beheaded on the very day and hour when Saint Peter was crucified. The specific circumstances of their executions are not detailed in surviving historical sources, but by command of Emperor Nero, they were beheaded with St. Peter.

Olympas' martyrdom under Nero demonstrates his steadfast commitment to Christ even unto death. The simultaneous nature of his beheading and Peter's crucifixion creates a powerful liturgical link between them in the veneration of the Church. Both men shed their blood as witnesses (martyrs) to the risen Christ in the city of Rome.

Apostle Olympas is honored throughout the Orthodox Church as a holy martyr and faithful apostle. The holy, glorious, all-laudable Apostle Olympas is numbered among the Seventy Apostles. His commemoration on November 10 is observed throughout the Eastern Orthodox communion, where he is venerated alongside other Apostles of the Seventy such as Erastus, Herodion, Sosipater, Quartus, and Tertius.

The example of Apostle Olympas encourages Orthodox Christians to remain faithful to the Gospel even in the face of persecution and death. His swift and simultaneous martyrdom with the Apostle Peter binds him to the apostolic succession and the history of the early Church's courageous witness. Through his intercessions, the faithful ask God's mercy and forgiveness of sins.