Saint of the Day – 19 February – Saint Auxibius (Died c102) the 1st Bishop of Soloi on the Island of Cyprus. He was born in Rome and died in Soloi around the year 102. Also known as – Auxibius of Cyprus, … of Soloi, Ausibio…
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Soloi, St Auxibius, Bishop”
Auxibius was born into a wealthy family in Rome and grew up there with his brother, Tempstagoras. He was taught secular sciences.
To avoid his parents’ wish that he should marry, he secretly left Rome and came first to the Island of Rhodes and then, to the Island of Cyprus.
Auxibius lived in the area around Limnitis, near the then important City of Soloi. There he met the Apostle and Evangelist St Mark, who converted him through his preaching and Baptised him.
Auxibius was appointed as the Bishop of the City of Soli by Archbishop St Herakleidius, as a document from the 7th Century reports, although some give this honour to St Paul himself. This St Herakleidius (1st Century), showed the Apostles Paul and Barnabas, the way from Salamis to Paphos on their first missionary journey (45 – 53) in Cyprus and also led them to Tamassos, a City-Kingdom which was then important due to its copper mining. Paul and Barnabas BaptiSed Herakleidos and later Ordained him as Bishop of Tamassos, one of the first in Cyprus.
Auxibius held the Episcopal Seat for about 50 years before he died around the year 102.
The 4th Century Basilica, now in ruins, in Soli is named after St Auxibius.
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