Equal-to-the-Apostles Abercius, Bishop of Hierapolis, the Wonderworker (†c. 167) — October 22 / November 4 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 22 according to the Julian Calendar (November 4 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Equal-to-the-Apostles Abercius, Bishop of Hierapolis, the Wonderworker (†c. 167).

Saint Abercius, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Bishop of Hierapolis, labored in the second century. Phrygian Hierapolis was at first inhabited almost entirely by pagans, and the blessed father prayed fervently for the conversion of their souls to the way of salvation. Once an angel appeared before the saint and commanded him to destroy the idols standing in the pagan assembly. Moved by divine zeal, the bishop entered the temple of Apollo by night and performed a heavenly blessing. When day dawned, the idol-worshippers learned what had happened and gathered a detachment of soldiers to seize Saint Abercius. Well-wishers warned the saint in advance and urged him to hide somewhere, but, aflame with the desire to suffer martyrdom for Christ, he went out into the city square and publicly denounced the false beliefs of the pagans. The lawless crowd grew even more furious and rushed at him gnashing their teeth, but at that moment three demon-possessed youths standing in the crowd suddenly let out a terrible howl. The people recoiled in fear. The holy hierarch, by the power of prayer, drove the evil spirits out of the young men. Seeing this miracle, the godless crowd came to their senses, together glorified the true God, fell at the feet of Saint Abercius and begged him to instruct them in the Christian faith. Only a few God-fighters slipped quietly away. The Lord’s chosen one preached until late in the evening, then blessed the people and told them to prepare for holy Baptism.

From that day on, Bishop Abercius carried out unhindered the heavy duties of a chief shepherd, and after warm, healing springs burst from the earth at the saint’s prayer to put an end to a raging epidemic, all of Hierapolis joined Christ’s flock. Some time later the wonderworking hierarch was summoned to Rome, where, contrary to all the expectations of the physicians, he healed the daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161–180), who lay on her deathbed. In gratitude, the emperor immediately ended the persecution of Christians and, at Saint Abercius’s request, allotted grain from the state treasury each year for every poor inhabitant of Hierapolis.

Besides Hierapolis, Saint Abercius preached in Syria, Cilicia and Mesopotamia, where he brought countless people to Christianity. For his tireless labors the blessed one was called Equal-to-the-Apostles. For many years the holy father defended the Church against heretics, strengthened the faith of those who hope in the Savior, set those who had gone astray upon the right path, and healed the sick. At last, around the year 167, at the age of seventy-two, he gave his soul to the Lord.