Apelles of Heraklion () is numbered among the Seventy Disciples. Along with the Apostles Urban of Macedonia, Stachys, Ampliatus, Narcissus of Athens and Aristobulus of Britannia (all of these names are mentioned together by St. Paul in , Bible Gateway website, Romans 16:8-11, "8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord." (NIV) which cannot be casual) he assisted Saint Andrew. St. Apelles was bishop of Heraclea in Trachis. His feast day is October 31.
Although specific writings from Apelles of Heraklion have not survived, early Christian traditions suggest that his teachings emphasized themes of unity, forgiveness, and inclusivity. As one of the Seventy Disciples mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Romans , Apelles likely contributed to the early Christian message through his emphasis on communal bonds within the faith.Lightfoot, J.B. (1891). The Apostolic Fathers. Macmillan. Historical accounts indicate that Apelles welcomed diverse groups, including marginalized members of society, reinforcing the Christian ideal of universal acceptance.Hippolytus of Rome. On the Seventy Apostles. c. 3rd century. His approach also encouraged believers to practice forgiveness, reflecting Jesus’ teachings on mercy and compassion.Bauckham, Richard (2006). Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony. Eerdmans. Apelles' influence can still be observed in early Christian writings and hymns that celebrate forgiveness and fellowship among believers.
Sources St. Nikolai Velimirovic, The Prologue from Ohrid Lightfoot, J.B. (1891). The Apostolic Fathers. Macmillan. Hippolytus of Rome. On the Seventy Apostles. c. 3rd century. Bauckham, Richard (2006). Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony. Eerdmans.
References
External links
Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, January 4 (OCA) Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, October 31 (OCA)