He is the son of Saint Philemon, to whom the Apostle Paul addressed the letter known by his name. His mother is Saint Epiphia. He resided in Colossae, where he preached the Gospel alongside Saint Philemon. There are those who think that he received the priesthood and served there, perhaps based on what was stated in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians: “Say to Archippus, ‘Look at the service which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it’” (4:17).

When Epaphras, the Bishop of Colossae, was absent from Rome alongside the Apostle Paul, Archippus, despite his youth, assumed full responsibility for the church there. It appears that he was very jealous of service.

Archippus' jealousy over the church and the faith aroused the ire of the pagans, so they threw hands at him and made him stand before Androcles the ruler. When he ordered him to offer a sacrifice to Artemis, he refused, so they stripped him, flogged him, threw him into a pit, and put dirt on his waist. Then they made him a slave and a distraction for the boys who worked on pricking him with needles. When they got tired of messing with him, they stoned him, so he won the crown of martyrdom.

The church celebrates him on February 19 and November 22, along with the apostles Philemon, Epiphanius, and Onesimus (the servant who belonged to Philemon).

Troparia in the fourth tune
O Apostle Saint Archippus, intercede with the merciful God, that he may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Qandaq with the fourth tune
The Church has recognized you as your great cup, O Archippus, and as it is illuminated by the rays of your miracles, it calls out to you, crying out: Save the honorable ones, remember you with faith.