Sainted Auxivius

Commemorated on February 17

      Sainted Auxivius was born at Rome in a rich family. He was raised together with his brother Tempstagoras. From an early age he displayed remarkable talents. In the schools of Rome he easily learned the secular sciences. His parents wanted to marry off their son. Having learned of this, the youth secretly departed Rome and set off to the East. Having arrived upon the island of Cyprus, he settled in the environs of Limnitis, not far from the city of Solunum. By the Prescience (Fore-knowing) of God he encountered the holy Disciple and Evangelist Mark (Comm. 27 September, 30 October, 4 January, 25 April), preaching the Word of God at Cyprus. The Disciple Mark established Auxivius as bishop in the city of Solunum, and himself set off for preaching to Alexandria.
      Saint Auxivius went towards the western gates of the city and settled near the pagan temple of Zeus. Gradually he converted to Christianity the local pagan-priest and other idol-worshippers. One time Saint Heraklides came to Saint Auxivius. He had been made a bishop in Cyprus earlier by the Disciple Mark, and he consulted with Saint Auxivius to openly preach the Gospel of Christ. One day Saint Auxivius arrived at the market-square and began to preach to the people about Christ. Many, seeing the miracles and the signs worked by the saint, believed in Christ. Among the converted were many people from the surrounding villages. One man, by the name of Auxinios, remained with Saint Auxivius and assisted him in service to the end of his days.
      After a certain while there came from Rome the brother of Saint Auxivius, Tempstagoras. He was baptised together with his wife, accepted the presbyteral dignity and served in one of the churches. Sainted Auxivius guided his diocese for 50 years and died peacefully in the year 102, leaving upon the cathedra (chair) his disciple Auxinios.

© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.