Apelles of Heraklion (Ancient Greek: Ἀπελλῆς) is numbered among the Seventy Disciples. Along with the Apostles Urban of Macedonia, Stachys, Ampliatus, Narcissus of Athens and Aristobulus of Britannia (all of these names are mentioned together by St. Paul in Romans 16:8–11, which cannot be casual) he assisted Saint Andrew. St. Apelles was bishop of Heraclea in Trachis. His feast day is October 31.
Although specific writings from Apelles of Heraklion have not survived, early Christian traditions suggest that his teachings emphasized themes of unity, forgiveness, and inclusivity. As one of the Seventy Disciples mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Romans Romans 16:10, Apelles likely contributed to the early Christian message through his emphasis on communal bonds within the faith.[1] Historical accounts indicate that Apelles welcomed diverse groups, including marginalized members of society, reinforcing the Christian ideal of universal acceptance.[2] His approach also encouraged believers to practice forgiveness, reflecting Jesus’ teachings on mercy and compassion.[3] Apelles' influence can still be observed in early Christian writings and hymns that celebrate forgiveness and fellowship among believers.
Sources
edit- St. Nikolai Velimirovic, The Prologue from Ohrid
- Lightfoot, J.B. (1891). The Apostolic Fathers. Macmillan.
- Hippolytus of Rome. On the Seventy Apostles. c. 3rd century.
- Bauckham, Richard (2006). Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony. Eerdmans.
External links
edit- Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, January 4 (OCA)
- Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, October 31 (OCA)
References
edit- This article is derived in whole or in part from Apelles of Heraklion at OrthodoxWiki, which is dually licensed under CC-By-SA and GFDL. All relevant terms must be followed.
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