Apostle of the 70 Patrobas (Patrov), Bishop of Naples and Puteoli

IMPORTANT NAME CORRECTION: the previous designation "Patrobas of Ptolemais" is erroneous — "Ptolemais" refers to entirely different saints (Martyrs Paul and Juliana of Ptolemais, feast August 30). The card's technical slug ("pottole") reveals the true source of the confusion: "Pottole" is a garbled transliteration of "Puteoli" (modern Pozzuoli, Italy). The correct designation is "Patrobas, Bishop of Naples and Puteoli."

Apostle Patrobas (Patrov) of the Seventy is named by St. Paul in Romans 16:14 among his closest co-workers: "Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes..." According to church tradition — traced to the account of Dorotheus, Bishop of Tyre — Patrobas preached the Gospel in various cities together with the Apostles Hermas, Linus, Gaius, and Philologus, and was appointed bishop of Neapolis (Naples) and Puteoli (near modern Pozzuoli) in Italy.

Through his preaching and labors he converted many pagans, establishing churches and ordaining presbyters and deacons. After enduring many trials and persecutions for the Gospel, having taught and confirmed many in the faith, he peacefully departed to the Lord.

He is commemorated November 5/18, and also in the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4/17. The tradition of his episcopacy at Puteoli and Naples derives from later hagiographic compilations rather than strictly documented history.