Auxentius of Mopsuestia
Auxentius of Mopsuestia was a bishop and saint venerated in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. He is remembered for his staunch refusal to obey an imperial command to place grapes before a statue of Bacchus, an act that led him to give up his military commission.
- Feast Day
- December 18
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Asia Minor
Key Facts
- ›Auxentius of Mopsuestia died in 360.
- ›He served as bishop of Mopsuestia.
- ›His feast day is December 18.
- ›He was once an officer in the army of Licinius.
- ›He renounced his commission rather than obey an order to place grapes before a statue of Bacchus.
- ›Tillemont speculated he might have been an Arian, citing his patronage of the heretic Aetius.
About Auxentius of Mopsuestia
Auxentius of Mopsuestia was a saint and bishop of Mopsuestia, who lived in the 4th century and died in 360. He is recognized and venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
Life and Historical Context
Little is known about the early life of Auxentius. However, historical accounts suggest he was once an officer in the army of Licinius. According to the historian Philostorgius, Auxentius relinquished his military commission rather than obey an imperial command to place a bunch of grapes at the feet of a statue dedicated to the god Bacchus. This act of defiance against pagan imperial orders is a significant event in his hagiography.
Theological Affiliations and Veneration
Auxentius's theological stance has been a subject of discussion. The historian Tillemont was inclined to believe that Auxentius may have been an Arian, pointing to his patronage of the heretic Aetius as evidence supporting this view. Despite these theological questions, Auxentius was included in the Roman Martyrology by Baronius, indicating his recognized status as a saint.
Feast Day
His liturgical feast day is observed on December 18.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Auxentius of Mopsuestia?
Auxentius of Mopsuestia was a bishop of Mopsuestia and a saint venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. He died in 360.
When is the feast day of Auxentius of Mopsuestia?
The feast day of Auxentius of Mopsuestia is celebrated on December 18.
Why is Auxentius of Mopsuestia significant?
Auxentius is significant for his refusal to obey an imperial command to place grapes at the feet of a statue of Bacchus. This act of defiance led him to give up his commission as an officer in the army of Licinius.
What is known about Auxentius's theological leanings?
Historian Tillemont suggested Auxentius might have been an Arian. This belief is partly based on his patronage of the heretic Aetius.
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