Nicomedes Philadelphius
Skilled and experienced Cretan sailor from Paleocaster. He is a friend of Theophilus, formerly governor of Antioch and father of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. He transports John of Endor, Syntyche, and the apostles who accompany them, to Antioch of Syria. During a storm that nearly caused him to sink for "the first time since [he has] been sailing",[1] he discovered the power of the intercession of Mary.[2]
Character and Appearance
A dark-skinned man like an Egyptian, thin, charming, slender, severe, about forty years old, or a little more.
His Name
Nicomedes is the name of kings of Bithynia, in Asia Minor (northern Turkey today), where Nicaea and Chalcedon are located.