Bishop & Equal of the Apostles
Saint Abercius the Wonderworker
Saint Abercius, also known as Averkios, served as bishop of Hieropolis in Phrygia during the second century.
Core account checked against Orthodox Church in America — Saint Abercius the Wonderworker, Orthodox Synaxarion — Saint Abercius the Wonderworker (Greek). Additional ecclesiastical references appear below.
Life and Witness
A Shepherd in Phrygia
Saint Abercius, also known as Averkios, served as bishop of Hieropolis in Phrygia during the second century. His community lived among a largely pagan population. The Greek Synaxarion remembers that his virtuous life and fruitful teaching led the faithful to seek him as their bishop. He understood this responsibility as a call to greater service, humility and labor.
Confession and Conversion
According to the Orthodox account, an angel directed Abercius to overthrow the idols in a pagan sanctuary. When an angry crowd threatened him, he confessed Christ openly. Three afflicted young men were delivered through his prayers. Those who witnessed their restoration asked to learn the Christian faith and received Baptism.
The Miracles Remembered by the Church
The Greek Synaxarion relates that Abercius delivered the daughter of the ruler of Rome from an evil spirit. It also remembers the miraculous appearance of hot water from the earth. These episodes are transmitted as signs of divine grace in the saint’s ministry, alongside his care for the sick and his teaching.
Journeys of Evangelization
Abercius traveled beyond his own city, preaching in Syria, Mesopotamia and other regions. The ecclesiastical accounts also connect his journeys with Cilicia, Lycaonia, Pisidia and Rome. His missionary labors earned him the title Equal of the Apostles. He strengthened Christians in their faith and guided those who sought repentance.
Repose, Relics and Commemoration
Returning to Hieropolis, Abercius completed his life peacefully; the Greek account gives his age as seventy-two. The OCA records miracles at his tomb and the epitaph he prepared. His head is venerated at Panachrantos Monastery on Andros, with portions of his relics also preserved at Karakalou, Proussos and Phaneromeni on Salamis. The Church celebrates his memory on October 22.
Biographical information on this page is based exclusively on the Orthodox ecclesiastical sources listed below.
Orthodox Church in America — Saint Abercius the WonderworkerOrthodox Synaxarion — Saint Abercius the Wonderworker (Greek)