Onesiphorus was a Christian figure mentioned in the New Testament letter of 2 Timothy. He is recognized for his courageous support of the Apostle Paul, traveling a great distance from Ephesus to Rome to locate and comfort Paul during his imprisonment. Because of his loyalty and his eventual death for the faith, he is venerated as a hieromartyr and an apostle in both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Life and ministry
Born in Konya, Onesiphorus is identified in Orthodox tradition as one of the seventy disciples sent by Jesus to preach. He served as a bishop in Colophon and later in Corinth. During the reign of Nero, he demonstrated significant bravery by seeking out Paul in Rome, a journey that involved crossing multiple bodies of water to provide hospitality and relief to the imprisoned apostle.
Veneration
The Catholic Church commemorates him on September 6, while the Orthodox Church observes his feast day on September 7. He is honored as a hieromartyr, with traditions noting his death occurred in Parium. His actions in the biblical text are sometimes cited in discussions regarding early Christian practices of praying for the deceased.