The Holy Apostle Aristóboulos of the Seventy was born on Cyprus. He and his brother, the Apostle Barnabas, accompanied Saint Paul on his missionary journeys. Saint Aristóboulos is mentioned by the Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans (Romans 16:10).

There are several conflicting narratives about the hierarch’s life before he went to Britain. Some identify him with Zebedee, the father of the Apostles James and John. Others say that he was the father-in-law of the Apostle Peter. Most of these are unreliable, however.

Saint Paul made Aristóboulos a bishop and sent him to preach the Gospel in Britain, Scotland, and Hibernia (Ireland), where he converted many people to Christ. He also had to endure many torments and afflictions from hostile pagans, who beat him and mocked him. Eventually, he won them over and brought them to Christ as well.

Saint Aristóboulos reposed peacefully in Britain among the people he had evangelized. Some sources say he suffered a martyr’s death in Wales at an advanced age.

Apolitikion
O Holy Apostle Aristoboulos, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.