Abercius of Hieropolis

Abercius of Hieropolis (Greek Αβέρκιος, died c. 167) was a high clergyman from Hierapolis at the time of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. He is maybe identical with an author who is called Avircius Marcellus in later sources. It is generally considered – although not indisputable – that he was bishop of Hierapolis and as such the successor to Papias.

Abercius, Bishop of Hierapolis
Miniature from the Menologion of Basil II
Equal-to-the-Apostles
Venerated inCatholic Church
Eastern Orthodox Church
Feast22 October/4 November
AttributesVested as a bishop

Abercius is said to have evangelized across Syria and Mesopotamia, and it is on that basis that he is referred to as one of the Equals-to-the-Apostles. He was imprisoned under Marcus Aurelius, and died about 167.

Abercius' feast day is celebrated on 22 October (for those churches which follow the Julian Calendar, 22 October occurs on the Gregorian Calendar date of 4 November).

Several works are ascribed to Abercius:

  1. An Epistle to the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, of which Baronius speaks as extant, but he does not produce it
  2. A Book of Discipline (Greek Βίβλος διδασκαλίας) addressed to his clergy; this too is lost.

Abercius is also the subject, and probable author, of the Inscription of Abercius, preserved in the Vatican Museums.


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