Saint Auxibius Bishop of Soli in Cyprus

Episcopate and Mission at Soli

On taking up his see, Auxibius is said to have gone toward the western gates of the city and settled near the pagan temple of Zeus. From there he preached gradually, and tradition records that he converted the local pagan priest and other idol-worshippers to Christianity.

He is remembered for preaching in the marketplace of Soli and for the miracles and signs attributed to him, through which many in the city and the surrounding villages came to believe in Christ. His brother Tempstagoras later arrived from Rome, was baptized together with his wife, became a priest, and served in one of the churches of the region.

Tradition and Sources

The hagiographic tradition surrounding Auxibius preserves some variation. While the Orthodox synaxarion account attributes his appointment to the city of Soli directly to the Apostle Mark, other accounts attribute his consecration to Saint Herakleidius (Heracleides), an early Cypriot hierarch associated with the journeys of the Apostles Paul and Barnabas, or to the Apostle Paul himself.

He is commemorated on February 17 in the Orthodox calendar, while the Roman Martyrology notes him on February 19 with the entry 'At Soloi, Saint Auxibius, Bishop.'

Relics & Shrines

The fourth-century basilica at Soli, now in ruins, bears the name of Saint Auxibius and is traditionally associated with the site of his baptism by the Apostle Mark.