Commemorated on February 19
The Holy Aposlte Archippus was one of the Seventy Apostles. The Apostle Paul mentioned him in his Epistle to the Colossians (Colossians 4:17) as well as in his letter to Philemon, calling’s him our fellow soldier (Philemon 1:2).
The center of Christianity in the town of Colossae was in the home of Philemon. Here Christians gathered for prayer. In writing to Philemon, the Apostle Paul called this the church in thy house (Philemon 1:2). At that time the apostles consecrated their disciples to the bishopric, some of them in permanent diocese and others as missionaries traveling to various places.
Philemon was one of the latter. Apphia, Philemon’s wife hosted and served in the domestic church. At the time of a pagan feast to the goddess Artemis, all the faithful in Colossae, according to their custom, gathered in the home of Philemon for prayer.
Learning of this gathering, the pagans rushed in and apprehend all the Christians. As the leaders – Philemon, Apphia and Archippus were first whipped and afterward buried up to their waists and stoned. Thus, they slew Philemon and Apphia.
Archippus they removed from the pit barely alive and left him to the amusement of the children. The children stabbed him all over with knives. In such a manner did this “fellow soldier” in battle finish well the course of his earthly path.
Glory be unto God for the bravery of these noble Apostles of our Lord!
Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 3
With your whole heart you followed the way of holiness / and became a companion of the Apostles, O Archippus. / By your word you preached the Faith, / and by your life you uprooted evil. / Having proved steadfast in contest you were granted the crown of righteousness.
Kontakion — Tone 4
The Church has gained you as a great star, O Archippus, / and enlightened by the rays of your wonders it cries out to you: / “Save us, who with faith honor your memory.”