Polybius of Rhinocolura

Holy Hierarch Polybius of Rhinocolura, a bishop, was from his youth a disciple of St Epiphanius of Cyprus, accompanied him on all his journeys and wrote down the life and miracles of his master.

He accompanied St Epiphanius on his return from Constantinople, when the saint did not wish to take part in the council against St John Chrysostom. On his deathbed Epiphanius charged Polybius to go to Egypt, saying that he would care for him even after death. Polybius humbly fulfilled his master's charge and, without waiting for the burial of his body, went to Egypt, where he was made bishop of the city of Rhinocolura.

For his virtuous and ascetic life he received the gift of working wonders. Once, through his prayer, the Lord sent rain in a time of drought and increased the harvest of the fields. St Polybius passed to the Lord in deep old age, in the fifth century. He is commemorated on 25 May, in the new style.