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Saint Fortunatus of Corinth

Saint

Feast Day: June 15

Biography

Saint Fortunatus of Corinth, also known as Fortunatus of Corinth, was a prominent figure in early Christianity during the first century. He is mentioned by Saint Paul the Apostle in his first letter to the Corinthians as someone who facilitated correspondence between Paul and the Corinthians. According to Orthodox tradition, he is revered as one of the 70 Disciples of Christ. Fortunatus' life is shrouded in mystery, and not much is known about his early years or his family background. However, his association with Saint Paul and the Corinthians reveals his significant role in the early Christian community. Saint Paul praised Fortunatus for his dedication and service to the faith. As mentioned in Saint Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (16:17), Fortunatus played a crucial role in carrying messages and letters between Paul and the Corinthians. He acted as a trusted liaison, ensuring effective communication between the communities. This important task demonstrates Fortunatus' faithfulness and reliability in spreading the teachings of Christ. While the details of Fortunatus' life beyond his involvement with Saint Paul are largely unknown, his role as intermediary between Paul and the Corinthians showcases his deep commitment to the early Christian community. After serving as a trusted messenger, he likely continued to spread the Gospel and contribute to the growth of Christianity in Corinth and beyond. Despite the limited information available on Fortunatus' life, the Church recognizes his significant contributions to the early Christian movement. He is honored with the title of Saint and is venerated for his dedication, faith, and service. Saint Fortunatus of Corinth's feast day is celebrated on June 15th, marking the day of his commemoration in the Catholic Church. While he is not associated with a specific patronage, he is still remembered and honored by the faithful for his valuable role in strengthening the Christian community through his correspondence with Saint Paul and the Corinthians. Although Fortunatus' canonization predates the formal process of sainthood, he is considered a saint in the pre-congregation era. This means that his sanctity and contributions to the faith were recognized by the early Church, even before the establishment of the canonization process as we know it today. While no particular representations or symbols are commonly associated with Saint Fortunatus of Corinth, believers may choose to depict him in artwork or prayerful representations in ways that reflect his role as a faithful servant in early Christianity. Saint Fortunatus of Corinth's life serves as a testament to the significant impact individuals can make in the spread of the Christian faith, even if their personal details may remain unknown. His dedication, humility, and commitment to fostering communication between different Christian communities exemplify his importance and inspire followers of Christ to serve with zeal and devotion.