Saint Quadratus commemorated by the Church

The Church commemorates Saint Quadratus, one of the seventy disciples of Jesus Christ, on September 21. A former bishop of Athens, Quadratus was known for preaching the Gospel in Athens and Magnesia.

Historical accounts, including references by Eusebius of Caesarea, note that Quadratus was a prominent Christian apologist. He authored a significant defense of Christianity so compelling that Emperor Hadrian reportedly issued a decree protecting Christians from prosecution based solely on their faith, provided no crimes were committed. Although his primary apology is lost to history, his writings, such as the ‘Letter to Diognetus’, provided insights into the early Christian lifestyle.

Quadratus suffered martyrdom around 130 AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian and was buried in Magnesia.