In his youth, St. Onesimus was a servant of Philemon, a
Christian of distinguished lineage who lived in the city of
Colossae, Phrygia. Fearing punishment for an offense against his
master, Onesimus fled to Rome, but he was imprisoned for being a
runaway slave. In prison he came across the Apostle Paul and was
enlightened by him, and was baptized. St. Paul was personally
acquainted with Philemon, and wrote him a letter filled with
love, asking him to forgive the runaway slave and to accept him
like a brother. He sent Onesimus with this letter. After St.
Philemon received the letter, he not only forgave Onesimus, but
also sent him back to Apostle Paul in Rome. Afterwards, Philemon
was consecrated bishop of the city of Gaza. After the martyrdom
of the Apostle Paul, St. Onesimus served the apostles until
their end, and he was made a bishop. After the death of the holy
apostles he preached the Gospel in many lands and cities of
Spain, Carpetania, Colossae, and Patras. In his old age,
Onesimus occupied the bishop's