Saint Evodius of Antioch

Biography

Saint Evodius of Antioch, also known as Saint Evodius or Evodius of Antioch, is an important figure in Catholic tradition. He is believed to have been one of the 72 disciples commissioned by Jesus and served as a priest and Bishop of Antioch. Evodius is considered the first person known to have used the term "Christian" in his writings and is said to have worked closely with Saint Ignatius of Antioch. He is also recognized as a martyr for his faith. Evodius was believed to have been ordained as a bishop by Saint Peter the Apostle, making him one of the early Church Fathers. As the Bishop of Antioch, he played a prominent role in the community and worked steadfastly to spread the teachings of Christ. One of the significant contributions attributed to Evodius is his use of the term "Christian" in his writings. It is believed that he coined the term to refer to followers of Christ, distinguishing them from the pagans and Jews. This demonstrates his deep commitment to the emerging Christian community and its distinct identity. Evodius also had a close association with Saint Ignatius of Antioch, another prominent figure in early Christianity. Ignatius, who eventually succeeded him as the Bishop of Antioch, considered Evodius his predecessor and praised his leadership and teachings. Their collaboration likely contributed to the growth and development of the Christian community in Antioch. Unfortunately, the exact details of Saint Evodius's life are limited, and many aspects of his biography remain uncertain. It is believed that he suffered martyrdom for his faith, though the circumstances surrounding his death are not well-documented. Scholars estimate that he died around 69 AD. Saint Evodius of Antioch has not been officially recognized as a patron saint of any specific cause, and his representation in art or icons is not well-documented. While his canonization process occurred before the establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Saint Evodius is venerated as a saint in the Catholic tradition. His feast days are observed on May 6th and September 7th in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Throughout history, Saint Evodius has been celebrated as a faithful disciple, priest, and bishop who played a vital role in the early Christian Church. Although much about him remains shrouded in mystery, his dedication to the Christian community and his role in spreading the teachings of Christ have made him a revered figure in Catholic tradition.