Saint Philemon was a native of Colossae. A disciple of the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul sent him a famous epistle, ordained him bishop and sent him to Gaza. With Apphia, he came to Colossae to preach. There he was captured by the pagans and died there, together with the holy apostles Onesimus and Archippus. Saint Apphia suffered with the apostles Philemon, Archippus and Onesimus in Colossae, during the time of the Roman emperor Nero. Prince Artocles put her to the tortures from which she died. Saint John Chrysostom says that she was the wife of the Apostle Philemon. The Apostle Archippus was also a disciple of the Apostle Paul. In Colosse, he was captured by the worshipers of Artemis when they threw the apostles Philemon and Onesimus, as well as Apphia, into a pit and stoned them to death.

Holy Martyr Cicelia (Cicily). Saint Callistus, Patriarch of Constantinople. Holy Martyr Menignos. Holy Righteous Michael, Soldier. Feast of the Presentation of the Most Holy Theotokos. Christmas Fast.