St. Aristarchus

Bishop and martyr, a companion of St. Paul, he was a native of Thessalonika in Macedonia. After becoming a disciple of St. Paul, Aristarchus traveled with him and was imprisoned with him at Ephesus. He became the first bishop of Thessalonika and was beheaded with St. Paul in Rome. “Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions; if he comes to you, receive him), and Jesus, who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision; these alone are my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” (Colossians 4:10-11)  His feast is kept on August 4.