Avilius of Alexandria
Avilius of Alexandria, also known as Abilius, was the third Patriarch of Alexandria. He is remembered for his piety, chastity, and his role in strengthening the Christian faith in Egypt and surrounding provinces during a period of peace for the church.
Key Facts
- ›Avilius was the third Patriarch of Alexandria, elected in December 83 AD.
- ›He was known for his chastity, piety, and care for the people of Christ.
- ›During his tenure, Christians grew in number and Egyptians began renouncing idol worship.
- ›His time as pope was a period of peace for the church despite Egypt's Roman Paganism.
- ›He served for twelve years and died on September 11, 95 AD.
- ›Avilius was buried next to St. Mark the Evangelist in Alexandria.
Abilius, Sabellius, Abylius, Abitius, Milius, Melyos
About Avilius of Alexandria
Pope Avilius of Alexandria
Pope Avilius of Alexandria, also known by variant names such as Abilius, Sabellius, Abylius, Abitius, Milius, and Melyos, served as the third Patriarch of Alexandria. His papacy, spanning from 83 AD to 95 AD, was a period of significant growth and peace for the Christian church in Egypt and its surrounding territories.
Life and Ministry
Upon the death of his predecessor, Anianus of Alexandria, Avilius was unanimously elected by suffragan bishops, priests, and laity in December 83 AD, during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian. He was recognized for his profound chastity, piety, and dedication to the people of Christ. Under his leadership, the Christian faith was further established, leading to a growth in the number of Christians in Egypt, five western provinces, and Sudan. Notably, during his time, the Egyptian people began to abandon the worship of idols and practiced their Christianity collectively in groups. Despite the prevailing Roman Paganism in Egypt, Avilius's tenure as pope was a time of peace for the church.
Death and Veneration
While some historical accounts suggest Avilius might have been expelled by Emperor Domitian, there is no written evidence to support this claim. According to historical records, he remained in his position for twelve years, dying on September 11, 95 AD. Avilius was buried in Alexandria, in the Church of Baucalis, alongside the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist. He is venerated as a saint in various churches, with his feast day observed on September 11 (The Coptic New Year, 1 Thout) in the Coptic Church. The Catholic Church observes his feast on August 29 and March 29, while the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates it on February 22.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Avilius of Alexandria?
Avilius of Alexandria, also known as Abilius, was the third Patriarch of Alexandria. He served as pope during the reign of Emperor Domitian.
When did Avilius live and die?
Avilius was elected in 83 AD and died on September 11, 95 AD. He served for twelve years.
What was Avilius known for?
Avilius was known for his chastity, piety, and caring nature towards the people of Christ. He is credited with strengthening the faith and increasing the number of Christians in Egypt and the western provinces.
Was Avilius persecuted by Emperor Domitian?
While some historians suggest Emperor Domitian expelled Avilius, there is no written record to support this claim. Historical records indicate he remained in his position until his death.
Where is Avilius buried?
Avilius was buried next to the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist in the Church of Baucalis in Alexandria.
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John Gabriel Perboyre
John Gabriel Perboyre was a French Catholic priest of the Congregation of the Mission who served as a missionary in China. He is remembered for his martyrdom in China and subsequent canonization by Pope John Paul II.
Anianus of Alexandria
Anianus of Alexandria was the second Patriarch of Alexandria, ordained by Saint Mark the Evangelist. He is remembered as the first convert Mark won to Christianity in the region and for his significant role in growing the early church in Alexandria. Anianus served as patriarch for over seventeen and a half years, ordaining new clergy and overseeing the church's expansion.