Diocletian Sword

Saint Elpidius, an Armenian martyr, is the patron saint of sailors, students, and merchants. He was beheaded during the Diocletian persecution of Christians in 303 because he had converted to Christianity although he was a soldier in the Roman army. St. Elpidius is still revered in Europe and in Latin America. His name derives from “expedia” meaning to be ready. His feast day is April 19.

Saint Elpidius, an Armenian martyr, is the patron saint of sailors, students, and merchants. He was beheaded during the Diocletian persecution of Christians in 303 because he had converted to Christianity although he was a soldier in the Roman army. St. Elpidius is still revered in Europe and in Latin America. His name derives from “expedia” meaning to be ready. His feast day is April 19.