Auxibius

CONCERNING ST. AUXIBIUS, BISHOP OF SOLI IN CYPRUS

CIRCA A.D. 102.

Preliminary Commentary.

Auxibius, Bishop of Soli in Cyprus (St.)

By I. B.

[1] There is ^a city of Cyprus, situated not far from that promontory which, extending chiefly toward the north, is called Krommyon, or Krommyou, that is, "Onion" or "of the Onions." Most writers, following Ptolemy, call it Soloi; Strabo calls it Solounta; Pliny in book 5, chapter 31 calls it Solae; others call it Solia and "the city of Solia." From Apostolic times it was graced with an episcopal throne, imbued with the Christian faith by St. Auxibius, ^a Roman, the disciple of St. John Mark — not of Mark the Evangelist, as Baronius wrote in his notes to the Martyrology, following the Life published by Lipomanus; although from that Life it is sufficiently clear that the one called Apostle and Evangelist was the cousin of St. Barnabas, and his companion in preaching the Gospel, of whom mention is made both in the Acts of the Apostles and in St. Paul's epistles to the Colossians and second to Timothy — which details do not fit St. Mark the Evangelist, the disciple of St. Peter and Bishop of Alexandria. By that Mark, therefore, Auxibius was initiated through baptism, confirmation, the priesthood, and the episcopal order, and was commanded to teach the mysteries of the faith at Soli; but afterward, by the authority of the Apostle Paul, he was given to that city as its proper bishop by St. Heraclides.

[2] We have obtained ^a Greek Life of him from ^a manuscript codex of the Most Christian King, which ^a learned man rendered into Latin to lighten our labor, but who forbade his name to be published here. Gentianus Hervetus had previously translated it from another codex, which occasionally diverges somewhat from ours (as we have already indicated); this was published by Aloisius Lipomanus, and from him by Surius. The author appears to have dwelt at Soli, for in chapter 1, no. 1, speaking of Soli, he says "in this city" (en tautē polei), and in chapter 3, no. 16, "sent into this city" (apostaleis en tē polei tautē), and ^a little before: "This lofty throne was entrusted to him" (ton hypsēlon touton eischeizetai thronon). Whence it may perhaps be conjectured that the writer himself was also ^a bishop of the same city. It was certainly not Metaphrastes, who wrote at Constantinople and drew mostly from ancient documents; whereas this author says he learned what he relates from elders advanced in years, as if drawing from ancestral tradition. At what period he wrote is not entirely clear. When in chapter 1, no. 4 he says that the city of Salamis is called Constantia — ^a name which seems first to have been given to it in the fourth century of Christ — he makes it plain enough that he was not very close to the times of Auxibius. But who is this Marcus the writer whom he cites in the same place? There survive in Latin codices Acts of St. Barnabas, whose author calls himself John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, and adds other absurdities — namely, that he was born of pagan parents, baptized at Iconium when Barnabas came there with Paul — and other things quite inconsistent with canonical Scripture, as we shall show in the appropriate place. Nevertheless, in that Life there is no mention of the name Constantia having been given to Salamis; nor could there have been, since it acquired that name much later, as we have already said. Did some other Marcus perhaps exist, some centuries more recent, who committed the Acts of Barnabas and others to writing, which were afterward attributed by some incompetent hand to John Mark, with certain fables attached and perhaps many things excised?

[3] The era of St. Auxibius himself can be determined as follows. He died at an advanced age, "having honored the priesthood for about fifty years" (tēn hierōsynēn timēsas epi etesi pentēkonta). If those years are counted from the time when he was first consecrated bishop by Mark, around perhaps the year 51 or 52 of Christ, it must be said that Auxibius died around the year 102 or 103 of Christ — six years later if he sat on the See of Soli for fifty years. For it appears that St. Tychicus was sent from Rome by St. Paul to the Colossians in the fourth year of Nero, when Mark the cousin of Barnabas was with him, as Paul himself writes in his epistle to them, chapter 4, no. 10. For what purpose did he send Tychicus to Colossae? "That he may know," he says, "your circumstances." He may then have ordered him, after surveying the Church of Colossae and perhaps other neighboring ones, to cross over to Cyprus — unless he afterward sent those instructions to Tychicus through Epaphras, who was still present with him.

[4] The name of St. Auxibius was enrolled in the tables of the Roman Martyrology by Baronius with these words: "At Soli (in the margin, Solis), St. Auxibius, Bishop." Concerning the same, Molanus in the later edition of the supplement to Usuard writes: "Likewise the holy and glorious worker of wondrous deeds, Father Auxibius, Archbishop of Soli, who was ^a disciple of the holy and blessed Apostle and Evangelist Mark." This was taken from the Life found in Lipomanus. From the same source, Constantius Felicius and, in his Natales Sanctorum Canonicorum, Constantinus Ghinius wrote that he had been ^a disciple of St. Mark the Evangelist — and likewise added erroneously that he was ordained Bishop of Soli by the same. He was consecrated bishop by Mark, but not by the Evangelist; and he was not assigned to any fixed see, but was merely commanded to instruct the people of Soli in our mysteries. When this had proceeded successfully, then at last, by the authority of Paul, he was declared bishop of that city by St. Heraclides.

[5] Concerning St. Auxibius, Baronius notes in his commentary on the Martyrology that the Greeks celebrate him on this day in the Menologion, and also on February 17. But what is this Menologion? In the one published by Jacobus Canisius, the name of Auxibius is not found. But in the great Menaea and in Maximus Cythereius, the memory of our Holy Father Auxibius is recorded under the seventeenth of February.

LIFE BY AN ANONYMOUS AUTHOR,

from ^a Greek manuscript of the King of France.

Auxibius, Bishop of Soli in Cyprus (St.)

a

By an anonymous author, from ^a Greek manuscript.

CHAPTER I

The birth, conversion, and priesthood of St. Auxibius.

[1] I wish to narrate to you the admirable and illustrious manner of life of our admirable and holy Father and Archbishop of the city of Soli, Auxibius. For he, as the first, like ^a resplendent sun, arose in this city, illuminating those sitting in the darkness of idolatry with the rays of divine teaching. He, like ^a brilliant lamp in ^a dark place, watered with divine oil, shone in this city, until Christ illuminated those dwelling in it, and the morning star arose in their hearts. But grant me, I pray you, your pardon. For though I am rude in speech and knowledge, I nevertheless deemed it necessary — since the virtues of the Blessed Auxibius are many and worthy of admiration, as I heard and was taught by men advanced in years (as the divine voice says: "Ask your father, and he will declare to you; your elders, and they will tell you") — to set them forth briefly. Let us therefore begin the narrative, with God's help.

[2] Auxibius came forth from the great city of Rome; his parents were wealthy indeed, but pagans by superstition. They had two sons, the Blessed Auxibius and his brother Themistagoras. The Blessed Auxibius was very urbane and meek like Moses; he had ^a mind chaste and prudent like that of the Blessed Joseph; and, to speak briefly, he was ^a boy adorned with every virtue and advancing in years. His father instructed him in every secular wisdom. But when he reached the lawful age, his parents wished to join ^a wife to him. Yet he, possessing ^a divine mind and perfect reason and ^a way of life conjoined with virtue, refused these things. For he had heard of Christ and desired to become ^a Christian. When his parents heard this, they were angry with him: his father compelled him with threats, while his mother persuaded with blandishments, that he should do it.

[3] When the Blessed Auxibius saw that their will was plotting and opposing his pious resolve, he thought of withdrawing from Rome. Therefore, having firmly resolved upon this and having said nothing to anyone, he stole away from his parents ^a few days later. Having gone down to the port, he found ^a ship about to set sail for the parts of the East. And so, leaving all things behind and taking with him only ^a small amount of money for sustenance, he boarded the ship. After they had departed from Rome, they reached Rhodes after several days; and from there, crossing the sea that washes Pamphylia, they made for Cyprus and landed at ^a village called Limne, that is, "the Marsh," four miles from the city of Soli — divine providence leading the Blessed Auxibius for the salvation of many souls. For upon disembarking, he stayed at Limne to recover from the voyage, by which he had been greatly tossed about and wearied.

[4] Now it happened that Barnabas, an Apostle of Christ, during his second circuit and visitation of the Christian world, came to Cyprus, after he had been separated from Paul in appearance, not in heart. Taking Mark with him, he landed at Lapithus, and traversing the entire island without delay, they reached Salamis, which, as Mark says, is now called Constantia. Having found Heraclides, the Archbishop of the island, they recognized him, taught him the method of preaching the Gospel of Christ, established churches and ministers in them, and embracing him, dismissed him in peace. When Barnabas had finished his course and fought the good fight of faith, and had been crowned with the wreath of martyrdom at Constantia, the wicked Jews also sought Mark to put him to death. But he had fled, with them pursuing as far as Ledrae; and finding ^a cave, he entered it and lay hidden there for three days. When that time had elapsed, he departed from there and, making his way through the mountains, reached Limne. Now with him were Timon and Rhodon, who, going into the village, found there the Blessed Auxibius, who had recently arrived from Rome.

[5] When the one had chanced upon the other, Mark asked Auxibius from what city he came. Auxibius replied, "From the great city of Rome; because I have become ^a Christian, I have come here." The Apostle, seeing that he was seized with desire for Christ and was faithful and eloquent, and that the same man was well instructed and taught the truth from the word of God, went down to ^a spring and baptized him in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; laying hands upon the baptized man, he conferred on him the Holy Spirit. Having ordained him ^a bishop and taught him the method of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, he sent him thus instructed with these commands and words to the city of Soli: "For that city is given over to the worship of idols and has not yet received the word of God, but dwells in the darkness of idolatry. What I tell you, do. Let no one now know that you are ^a Christian, but pretend to follow their superstition; in the course of time, begin secretly to discourse to them as to infants, nourishing them with speech as with milk, until, having become perfect, they may partake of perfect nourishment." When the Apostle had said these and many more things to Auxibius, he embraced him and dismissed him in peace. And Mark, finding an Egyptian ship, boarded it and sailed to Alexandria, where, performing the office of evangelist, he taught the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

p. Rhodon is also mentioned in the same Acts of St. Barnabas. We treated of St. Rhodon on January 3, and of another on the 26th. Whether either of them is the one mentioned here, I do not know, for no acts are recorded there, but only bare names from the Martyrologies.

q. Thus in the Greek: "he sent him to the city of the Solians." So also Strabo: "those who inhabit it are called Solians."

r. The Greek reads: "pretend to pursue their worship." In what measure such dissimulation may be lawful, consult the theologians.

s. Hervetus adds, "and the Evangelist Mark." This is absent from the Greek, and it is clear from the following chapter that this Mark was not the Evangelist, although, like him, he is said to have preached also in Egypt; but he afterward returned again to St. Paul.

t. In the Greek: "he dismissed him." It can also be translated, "he departed."

CHAPTER II

The episcopate and preaching of St. Auxibius.

[6] Setting out from Limne, the Blessed Auxibius, making his way by inquiring of the route, arrived at Soli. Now near the gates of the city, on the side facing the west, there was ^a temple of Jupiter, ^a god falsely so called, in which ^a flamen of Jupiter dwelt. The priest of Jupiter, catching sight of the Blessed Auxibius passing by as ^a stranger, received him most kindly in his house and set ^a table before him. He remained with him that entire day, but on the following day the sacrificer asked whence and for what reason he had come. Auxibius replied, "I am ^a Roman, and being compelled to set sail for Palestine, I disembarked at Limne; and learning by inquiry that the habitation of this city was agreeable, I betook myself hither and dwell here most pleasantly. But if you show me kindness, I shall stay with you until I find ^a place to live." The other said, "Stay, safe and sound." He remained therefore in that place called the Place of Jupiter for ^a long time, not revealing that he was ^a Christian, but rather pretending to follow their superstition, reasoning thus within himself: "If the devil transforms himself into an angel of light in order to draw to himself those who believe in him, and by the blandishments of speech and abundance of words transfers them from light to darkness, as his ministers also do, how much more ought we ourselves to transform ourselves into men subject to the same passions, so that we may lead them away from the power of darkness and the devil and transfer them into the admirable light of the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God?"

[7] Thinking and acting thus, the servant of God Auxibius remained in the aforesaid place. After ^a few days had passed, he addressed the flamen with these words: "There is something I wish to tell you, brother." "Go ahead, speak," said the other. Auxibius then said, "What is the reason that you worship gods who are stones and wood? For having ^a mouth they do not speak, having eyes they do not see, and having ears they do not hear, nor do they smell the sacrifice offered to them. But He whom the Christians worship, as I have learned from them, is indeed the true God; and, as I hear, He has worked many wonders." When the priest heard this, he was pierced with compunction by the words of Auxibius, and no longer sacrificed to the idols; but from that time on he was instructed by the Blessed Auxibius. In this manner he conducted himself for ^a long time, entering the city secretly and teaching in private, and then withdrawing again and going outside the city to stay in the aforesaid place of Jupiter.

[8] While he was dwelling in that place, in Alexandria the Apostle Mark was preaching the Gospel of Christ. After many had received the faith and baptism, he went out to seek the Apostle Paul, and finding him, reverenced him, and in turn was received by Paul with great joy. Mark then related what had befallen Barnabas, and how at Salamis he had completed the good contest of martyrdom. That Mark was indeed received by Paul, Paul himself testifies writing to the Colossians: "Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, greets you." And again to Timothy: "Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for the ministry." Mark therefore remained with Paul until his death. When Paul had learned that Barnabas had departed this life and that there was no Apostle in Cyprus to teach and proclaim Christ, considering this, he sent Epaphras, Tychicus, and certain others to Cyprus, to Heraclides the Archbishop of the island, writing to him that he should appoint Epaphras as Bishop of Paphos and Tychicus as Bishop of Neapolis. "And in the other cities, station others. But also go down to the city of Soli, and in it seek out ^a Roman man named Auxibius, and establish him as Bishop of Soli. But take care not to lay hands on him for ordination: for he has already been invested with the priesthood, having been ordained by Mark."

[9] Upon receiving and reading the letters sent by the Apostles, the Blessed Heraclides at once, without delay, carried out what was commanded. Having entered Soli and searching for the Blessed Auxibius, he was informed in what place the man dwelt. Going therefore outside the city to the place called Dios, or Jupiter, he found him there, and after mutual greeting and embrace, the Blessed Heraclides spoke these words: "Son Auxibius, I have been sent to you by the Apostles of Christ. How long will you lie hidden in this place and not show yourself? How long will you hide the lamp under ^a bushel, and not rather place it upon the candlestick of the Savior, that it may give light to those who are in this city? Come now, henceforth illuminate those who dwell in the darkness of idolatry. Come, be henceforth ^a herald of the truth. How long will you hide the money you received from your master? Increase it sevenfold with profit. Strive also to hear, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful in ^a little, I will set you over much.' Have you not heard sacred Scripture saying, 'Those who sow in tears shall reap in exultation'? Sow in this present winter, that you may reap in exultation and with peace. Do not fear those who kill the body, but Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. For He Himself said, 'Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves.' And again, 'When they hand you over to governors and kings, be not anxious how or what you shall speak, for the Holy Spirit will teach you what ought to be spoken.'"

[10] Having said these things, St. Heraclides, taking the holy Father Auxibius with him, entered the city, and after offering prayer, he traced out on the ground the plan of ^a church — small indeed in circumference, but great through the grace of Christ. Having taught him the entire ecclesiastical canon, as he himself had learned it from the Apostles, and commending him to God, he kissed him and withdrew to his own city. But the servant of Christ, Auxibius, without delay began at once to build the church. When he had consecrated it and entered, casting himself face down upon the pavement, he began to cry out and to say with tears: "Lord God Almighty, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all things in them; who, taking dust from the earth, fashioned man and adorned him with Your image, and when he was deceived by the envy of the devil and given over to death, O merciful One, You did not turn away from him utterly; but You sent us Your Only-begotten Son for the salvation of the human race. Lord Jesus Christ, who on this venerable Cross triumphed over the principalities and powers of darkness; who gave Your holy Apostles power from on high and authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon all the power of the enemy: strengthen me also, Your servant, and grant me to preach Your word freely and fearlessly. Send, O Lord, into the heart of this people of Yours the fear of You. Illumine them with Your grace, that, turned from the error of the demon, they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Grant, O Lord, that Your Holy Spirit may dwell in this holy house, which has been built in Your holy name. Establish it, so that even unto the consummation of the age it may be immovable in Your faith. For You Yourself have said, O Lord: 'Upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.' Convert, O Lord, Your wandering flock to this, Your holy sheepfold. Good Shepherd, who laid down Your life for Your sheep, extend Your almighty right hand and Your exalted, terrible, invisible arm; and with the staff of Your venerable Cross, drive the bloodthirsty wolf from Your flock, O Lord. Gather the straying, that there may be one flock and one shepherd. Open also to me the door of the word through Your mercy, while I extend my hand to signs and wonders through the name of Your Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, with whom be to You glory, honor, and dominion, with Your Holy and Immortal Spirit, now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

CHAPTER III

The miracles of St. Auxibius; the church built by him.

[11] When this prayer was finished, rising from the ground, he went to ^a public place of the city and began to teach the kingdom of God. When ^a great crowd had gathered to him, the Blessed Auxibius spoke these words: "Men, brothers and fathers, hear me and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, whom I announce to you; for He is the Savior of all who believe in Him. Receive the light of knowledge, raise the eyes of your mind on high, abstain from the way of life handed down by your ancestors, and acknowledge the true God, the Creator of all things, who can save your souls." Teaching and preaching publicly in this way, he persuaded many by his excellent instruction to cast off the foolish error concerning idols and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. The grace of healing the infirm and of expelling spirits was also given to him by God. Day by day ^a multitude of believers in the Lord was added, and they were baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, confessing their sins. All who had infirm persons brought them to the Blessed Auxibius, who, laying hands upon them, healed them in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. When the entire rustic populace of the surrounding region had learned of this, they came to the city bringing their sick with them, and all of them, cured by the invocation of the immaculate and life-giving Trinity, were cleansed by baptism as believers.

[12] Now there was from ^a place called Solopotamius ^a certain man named Auxibius. When he had heard about the Blessed Auxibius and his teaching and the man's virtue, he sought him out and threw himself at his feet, beseeching him with these words: "Father, bestow upon me the seal of Christ." The holy Bishop, drawing forth some things from the sacred Scriptures, taught him what pertains to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and baptized him in the name of the consubstantial Trinity. That Auxibius from Solopotamia remained with the blessed Father Auxibius for the entire duration of his life, and had him as his teacher. And he himself grew into ^a man worthy of admiration, advancing in the wisdom and grace of God, following in the footsteps of his excellent teacher and walking in the fear of God in all things.

[13] On ^a certain day, the disciple Auxibius went outside the city toward the east for the purpose of meditation, to ^a place called Tarichodes, from the salt-fish market. When he had come to ^a certain tree, he sat down in its shade, and leaning over, fell asleep. And behold, ^a multitude of ants encircled his head in the manner of ^a crown. When the Blessed Auxibius came upon this and observed it, he marveled, and stored up in his heart what he had seen. For the nature of ants signified that the minds of the idle ought to be aroused to the pursuit of good works, as Solomon says: "Go to the ant, O sluggard, and emulate its ways." But the crown foreshowed the dignity of the priesthood, for the disciple was to sit upon the throne of his illustrious teacher. When he was awakened, they both betook themselves to the church; and the disciple was thenceforth subject to his teacher, serving him in all things and ministering to him like ^a faithful servant to his own master. The Blessed Auxibius never ceased praying night and day for the salvation and conversion of the people, and he taught constantly. And indeed the flock of the Lord grew and multiplied daily, while the forces of the enemy diminished from day to day.

[14] After this, moved by reports, the brother of St. Auxibius, Themistagoras, arrived at Soli, together with his wife, the Blessed Timo, who was herself also worthy of admiration and endowed with virtue. When they had come to the church, they greeted one another with embraces; and from that meeting of both parties great joy arose. They remained thereafter in the residence of the Bishop, where they were instructed by the Pontiff; and they were initiated through baptism by the same in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. St. Auxibius ordained the Blessed Themistagoras as ^a Deacon of the Church, and likewise his wife as ^a Deaconess therein; for from the time they received holy baptism, they separated themselves from the occasion of sin, and both were thenceforth as brother and sister, having advanced to ^a state free from disturbance.

[15] When, therefore, the grace of God had poured itself into the city of Soli, and nearly all had come to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ through the instruction of our holy Father, with the Holy Spirit working together, Auxibius perceived within himself that the church was too small to accommodate those who came. He therefore resolved to build ^a greater temple to the name of God, and kneeling upon the ground, he besought God to lend him aid. Then, rising to his feet and offering prayers anew, he traced out the plan of ^a holy church; and with God's favor and assent, he erected this great and admirable, holy and Catholic church, and adorned it with every ornament as for its Bridegroom, Jesus Christ our God. O illustrious shepherd and teacher, excellently feeding the flock of Christ! O resplendent luminary, illuminating those sitting in the darkness of errors! O skilled physician, who heals those wounded by the demon through the invocation of the Holy Trinity! For he cured not only bodily ailments, but also the secret wounds of the soul through the Holy Spirit, purging by this means and casting down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God — imitating Paul, who became all things to all men that he might save all, dying daily for the sake of Christ, who had died for him and risen again.

[16] This blessed man, arresting the course of Elijah, cultivated virginity, which he augmented with prayer and fasting; confirmed in faith and guided by hope, he consummated it with charity. Auxibius loved this virtue; he adorned it, and was adorned by it, and gathered the fruits of his labors in the present life. For when he had honored the priesthood, this lofty throne was entrusted to him; as ^a servant and worshiper of God he was clothed with the priestly robe, or long tunic, and his head was adorned with ^a crown of beauty. A virgin bride, namely the Church, was committed to him; and he himself was called by grace her bridegroom; and having sown in the Holy Spirit, he reaps from the spirit life eternal. Who then would not marvel at and praise the noble athlete of Christ — how he fought alone and conquered the enemy, and snatched great spoils from his hands? For the enemy held all as his own. For when the holy man entered the city, he had with him not ^a single Christian; and through the grace of Christ he made them all Christians. For just as ^a military commander sent by the King against ^a city rebellious to him first sends out scouts, then pitches camp outside the city, exploring all its approaches until he captures it and subjects it to the King: so did the Blessed Auxibius. Sent to this city by the Heavenly King to wage war against the enemy, he did not at first enter the city openly or publicly, but as ^a scout — having Christ within, while outwardly wearing the appearance of ^a pagan and beholding their images — he would withdraw again outside the city. He did this for no small time, and — what is more admirable — dwelling in the very temple of the enemy, namely Jupiter, he took from there the first step of victory. For he initiated the flamen of Jupiter through catechesis and secretly baptized him, and overthrew the shrine of idols; and then at last, freely entering the city thereafter, like ^a brave soldier, raising his hands to heaven, presenting himself as ^a figure of the venerable Cross, like the great Moses he routed the spiritual Amalek — that is, the devil — and delivered those who were held under his power, vindicating them and restoring them to liberty, leading them from darkness into the admirable light of the knowledge of the Son of God and subjecting them to the heavenly King.

CHAPTER IV

The death, burial, and miracles of St. Auxibius.

[17] When all things had been well accomplished, and he had sustained the office of herald of the truth and had honored the priesthood for approximately fifty years, having illuminated very many with the Christian faith, he at last came to the end of his life. Having convened the entire venerable college of his clergy, he addressed them thus: "Fathers, and brothers, and beloved sons, incline your ears to the words of my mouth. Behold, I go to my Father by the way of all the earth. My sons, attend to yourselves: stand firm in the faith, and let no one seduce you with vain words. You know how many tribulations I have endured in this city, praying to God night and day that He might open to me the door of the word to manifest freely the mystery of God. Nor did God, who does not lie, despise me, but extended His hand to me. And now, brothers, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build up and to give an inheritance among all who are sanctified. Stand therefore, and hold fast the traditions that you have received from me. And he whom God has chosen as Priest is from among you, and remains with you, and through him God cares for you."

[18] Having spoken these and many more things, St. Auxibius took hold of his disciple and kissed him and said: "You God has chosen as Priest; you shall feed the flock of Christ, which He purchased with His own blood." He then embraced each one individually. And on the third day, word spread throughout that entire region that their Father Auxibius was about to depart this life; and all gathered in the church, not without weeping and lamentation. He embraced them all and surrendered his spirit to the Lord in peace.

[19] Pious men received the relics of the most blessed Pontiff and deposited them in ^a sepulchre that he himself had prepared for himself, with this inscription added to the exterior of the casket: "I adjure you by the holy body and blood of Christ and God, that no one open this chest until my brother Themistagoras has been laid to rest."

[20] After the deposition of the holy man's relics, the grace of God immediately descended upon them and opened fountains of healings. For in that very hour many were cured of various diseases and unclean spirits. When the neighboring inhabitants heard of this — the grace of healings, I mean, that occurred at the relics of the holy Father — they came to the city with great eagerness, and kissing those relics, they were healed through the grace of God.

[21] When the people of Paphos themselves had learned that many were being healed through the holy Bishop Auxibius, forty men, disturbed by unclean spirits, set out from Paphos in ^a single troop and came by the direct road to Soli. When they had reached ^a place situated fifteen miles from the city, St. Auxibius appeared to them, and having driven out the demons from them, healed them all through the grace of God given to him. When the men perceived their cure, and that they had been cleansed from unclean spirits by the overshadowing of Auxibius, they came to Soli and recounted all that had happened to them on the way. Upon hearing this, all praised God, who had given such power to His servant. They then went to the place where the sacred relics lay, and casting themselves on their faces before the sepulchre, they worshiped, and pouring forth hymns of thanksgiving to God who had glorified His servant, they returned to their own city. Whence the people of Paphos celebrate the memory of St. Auxibius to this day.

[22] The Blessed Themistagoras, seeing the miracles that occurred at the place where the relics of the holy man lay, and that his holy monument and casket gushed forth like ^a perennial fountain, judged himself unworthy to be buried with the Blessed Auxibius in the same sepulchre, and adjured the clergy of the holy Church in these words: "After my death, let no one dare to open the sepulchre of St. Auxibius on my account." For this reason it has remained closed to this day, and sealed with the sign of Christ who glorified him. O blessed casket, in which lies ^a treasure that cannot be taken away! From which perpetual fountains of healings spring forth! O holy tomb, which gathers the faithful people to the honor and glory of God, to the remembrance of the precious relics contained in it, to the glory of God who made them illustrious! O father, shepherd, teacher, and physician of Christ, whose memory shall be joined with praises forever! O city of Soli, what ^a champion you have, and what an inexhaustible treasure deposited within you, ^a luminary that cannot be extinguished, more splendid than the sun! For the sun is very often obscured by clouds and by night; but the luminary of the Blessed Auxibius has ^a light that fails neither by day nor by night, illuminating those dwelling in darkness, gladdening the entire city, and healing the infirm through Jesus Christ, who bestowed glory upon His saints. But how far shall I go? With what praises shall I honor the saint? For whatever I may say, I shall not be able to praise the holy Father according to his merits. Here therefore I shall end my oration, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, to whom be glory unto the ages of ages. Amen.