Caesar of Dyrrhachium was a first-century Christian bishop serving the city of Dyrrhachium, located in the region of Epirus. Recognized as one of the Seventy Disciples mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, he functioned as an early emissary of Jesus. According to tradition, he was appointed to his episcopal position by the Apostle Paul, who specifically mentions him in his letter to the Philippians. He is honored as a saint within both Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Life and role
As a member of the seventy apostles, Caesar was part of a group of early followers sent to spread the faith. He held the position of the first bishop in Dyrrhachium, a city in what is now modern Albania. His leadership in this early Christian community was established through his ordination by Paul the Apostle.
Veneration and memory
The Church commemorates him on December 9. He is also remembered on March 30 alongside other apostles such as Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, and Epaphroditus. On December 8, he is celebrated with the same group plus Onesiphorus. His successor in the bishopric was the martyr Saint Astius, who has a dedicated church in Durrës.