Expeditus

Who was Expeditus?

Information concerning Saint Expeditus can be found only in martyrologies, so precise details about his existence cannot be obtained.

From the Geronimian Martyrology: April 18: "Romae Eleutheri episcopi et Anthiae matris eius et Parthenii, Caloceri, Fabii, Proculi, Apollonii, Fortunati, Crispini, Expediti, Mappalici, Victorini, Gagi." April 19: "In Arminia Militana civitate Hermogeni, Gagi, Expediti, Aristonici, Rufi, Galatae una die coronatorum."

Saint Expeditus is commemorated in the martyrology on April 18 and on April 19, but the first date seems to be a mistake. The only facts that seem to be certain concern the day, April 19, and the place, Melitene, of his death; nothing can be said about the circumstances or the period of his martyrdom.

Many theories try to deny the existence of Saint Expeditus. According to Delehaye, the word "Expeditus" is a misreading of "Elpidius"; another has stated that "Expeditus" is only an adjective referring to a person and not a personal name; others have stated that this adjective referred to Saint Minas. None of these theories have been substantiated, least of all those which try to identify Expeditus with another saint.