Saint Achaicus of Corinth

Biography

Saint Achaicus of Corinth, also known as Akaikos or Akaikus, was a first-century Christian who is mentioned by the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians. According to the biblical account, Achaicus played a crucial role in the correspondence between Paul and the Corinthians, acting as a faithful messenger between the two parties. Although not much is known about the life of Saint Achaicus, Orthodox tradition venerates him as one of the 70 Disciples, those individuals who were closely associated with Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry. The 70 Disciples were commissioned by Jesus to preach the Gospel and perform acts of healing and deliverance. It is believed that Achaicus was chosen by Paul to assist him in maintaining communication with the Corinthian community. The first letter to the Corinthians, written by Paul, mentions Achaicus in the context of delivering the correspondence: "Now about our brother Achaicus: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity" (1 Corinthians 16:17). Achaicus's obedience to Paul's instructions demonstrated his dedication to the early Christian mission and his commitment to fostering unity among the Corinthian believers. His role as a trusted messenger and mediator highlights his importance in the early Christian community. Despite the limited information available about Saint Achaicus, his inclusion in Paul's letter attests to his significance as a faithful follower of Christ. The mention of his name indicates the influence and reputation he held among the early Christians of Corinth. Saint Achaicus of Corinth is honored on June 15th as his feast day, a time when believers reflect upon his contributions to the early Church and seek his intercession. While he has not been officially recognized as a patron saint, devout Christians may still turn to him for guidance and assistance in their spiritual journeys. Although Saint Achaicus has not received formal canonization, his mention in the biblical text and his association with the apostolic era affirm his status as a revered figure in the history of Christianity.