Saint Avilius of Alexandria | |
|---|---|
| Patriarch of Alexandria | |
| Papacy began | 83 AD[1] |
| Papacy ended | 11 September 95 AD[1] |
| Predecessor | Anianus |
| Successor | Cerdon |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 43 AD (Priesthood) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Egypt |
| Died | 11 September 95 AD |
| Buried | Baucalis,Alexandria |
| Nationality | Egyptian |
| Denomination | Church of Alexandria |
| Sainthood | |
| Feast day | 22 February (Eastern Orthodox) 29 March (Roman Catholic) 29 August (Roman Catholic) 1Thout (Coptic) |
Pope Avilius of Alexandria (also known as Abilius, Sabellius, Abylius, Abitius, Milius and Melyos) (? – 95 AD), was the 3rdPatriarch of Alexandria.[2][3]
Upon the death ofAnianus of Alexandria, thesuffragan bishops and priests of the area converged with the laity in Alexandria[1] and unanimously elected Avilius in the month ofDecember (Kiahk), 83 AD, during the reign of theRoman EmperorDomitian.[4]
Pope Avilius was known for his chastity, and was pious and caring towards the people of Christ. He continued to establish the people in faith and the Christians grew in number inEgypt and in thefive western provinces, andSudan.[1] During his time serving, the Egyptian people began renouncing the worshiping of idols and practiced their Christianity together, in groups. Despite the religion of Egypt beingRoman Paganism, his time as pope was a time of peace for the church.[1]
While some historians claim thatEmperor Domitian expelled Avilius from the episcopal throne,[5] and installed another in his place, there is no written record of this. According to historical records, he remained in his position for twelve years, and died on the first ofThout (11 September), in the year 95. Avilius was buried next to the remains of St.Mark the Evangelist in the Church ofBaucalis in Alexandria.[6][7]
He is venerated as asaint in variouschurches. Hisfeast day in theCoptic Church is onThe Coptic New Year 1 Thout, which is September 11 in theGregorian calendar, and on 29 August and 29 March in theCatholic Church,[3] and February 22 inEastern Orthodox Church.[8]
| Titles of the Great Christian Church | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Patriarch of Alexandria 83-95 | Succeeded by |