The holy apostle Onesimus was one of the Seventy Apostles. He was a slave but transgressed against his master and fled to Rome. There he heard the Gospel from Apostle Paul and was baptized. Later, Onesimus was consecrated a bishop by the apostles themselves, and he accepted the episcopal throne at Ephesus at the death of the Apostle Timothy. At the time of Trajan’s persecution, Onesimus, already an old man, was arrested and brought to Rome. In Rome Onesimus gave an account of himself before the judge Tertulus, and he was imprisoned and finally beheaded. A wealthy woman removed his body, placed it in a silver coffin and buried it honorably in the year 109.
O holy Apostle Onesimus, intercede with the merciful God that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.
You came upon the world like a radiant glow, and you shine with the rays of the sun, O blessed saint. You followed the illumined world of blessed Paul, and for this we honor you, O glorious Onesimus.
Wednesday of Cheesefare week is an aliturgical day.
Icon courtesy of Jack Figel, Eastern Christian Publications – ecpubs.com
Tuesday, February 14 –
