Auxibius of Soli

Holy Hierarch Auxibius of Soli was born in Rome, in a rich family, and became bishop of Soli, on the island of Cyprus. He departed to the Lord in peace, in the year 102, after fifty years of shepherding. He is commemorated on 2 March. His name is not included in the present calendar of the Russian Church.

He was brought up together with his brother, Tempestagoras, and from childhood showed himself gifted; in the schools of Rome he learned the sciences of the world with ease. His parents wished to have him married, and when he learned of it, the young man secretly left Rome and set out for the East. Reaching the island of Cyprus, he settled in a place called Limnitis, not far from the city of Soli. By the providence of God he met the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, who was preaching the Word of God in Cyprus. The Apostle Mark made him bishop in Soli, and went himself to proclaim the Gospel in Alexandria.

Auxibius came to the western gate of the city and settled near the pagan temple of Zeus. Little by little he brought to Christianity the pagan priest there and other idol worshippers. Once Saint Heraclidius came to him, who had earlier been made bishop of Cyprus by the Apostle Mark, and advised him to preach the Gospel of Christ openly. One day Auxibius went out into the marketplace and began to speak to the people about Christ. Many, seeing the wonders and signs wrought by the saint, believed in Christ. Among those baptised were many people from the surrounding villages. A man named Auxinius stayed with Auxibius and helped him in his ministry until the end of his life.

After a time his brother, Tempestagoras, arrived from Rome. With his wife he was baptised, received ordination as a priest and served in a church. Saint Auxibius led the diocese for fifty years and fell asleep in peace in the year 102, leaving his disciple Auxinius on the throne.