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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.
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