Saint Averkios the Isapostolos and miraculous bishop of Hierapolis
Celebration date: 22/10/2021
Saint Averkios lived at the end of the 2nd century AD. His blameless life and the fruitfulness of his teaching motivated the flock to force him to become bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia. The position did not diminish the zeal of Averkios. He even said that it is not enough for someone to look like a prince, but also to actually be one. That is, to increase his ministry and labors.
Because according to the Gospel, “he who wills is first, be last of all and always deacon” (Gospel of Mark, i. 35), which means, if one wants to be first in honor, he must humble himself towards others, to become last of all and servant of all by the exercise of love.
And Averkios put this order into practice in his life. That is why God gave him the gift of performing many miracles. He cured the daughter of the king of Rome, from a wicked demon. He sent out warm water from the earth and performed many other miracles. Also, Avercius preached in all the cities of Syria and Mesopotamia.
Then he went to Lycaonia, Pisidia, and the province of the Phrygians. He was called an equal apostle, because he traveled and preached like the leading Apostles of Christ. He died peacefully, aged 72.