Commemorated on October 22

Born in 95 AD during the second century after Christ, Averkios lived in Phrygia, now western Asia Minor. He was the Bishop of Hieropolis and was given through the grace of God the gift to perform miracles.

When he first became Bishop, he had many spiritual trials and felt as though he lived worse than before. He made known that it is better to live as if you are a Bishop spiritually than to be one, meaning “To be first, we must be last.” He encouraged others to remain humble and give to those in need. Serving the people, and giving to the poor he had a great love for the people.

In his region, there was only a small population of Christians as the majority of the people were pagans. Averkios prayed asking the lord to have mercy on their souls and bring the people to the one True God.

An angel then came before him and gave him the task of bringing the idol temples to ruin. Following God’s command, he destroyed the temples, which caused an uproar among the pagan citizens. They wanted to kill him, so Averkios had no choice but to flee to a safe area where others disagreed with the idol Gods.

Still, the pagans searched for him and tried to capture him. There were three young children who were demon possessed. They were crying out and the Saint noticed them and knew what was wrong. Through his fervent prayers, the demons immediately came from the youths and they were again normal as before. The people who were there were all amazed, as they had been idol worshippers. In that moment that asked for Averkios to teach them of the One True God and guide them toward salvation.

He baptized all them and then began to travel to other nearby towns or cities where he healed many of the ill and exposed many to Christ. Some of the major cities in passed through were Rome, Mesopotamia, Cilicia and Syria. Countless numbers were converted to Christianity. He healed many who were throughout his travels, and always gave glory fully to God. One of the miracles he performed was to take a demon out of the emperor of Rome’s daughter.

Throughout he journeys, he also protected the faith from heretics and guided the people away from these false doctrines. Due to his great missionary work, he has been compared to the original Apostle, noted as an equal to their works and given the title “Holy Equal to the Apostles”

Nearing the end of his life, he returned to Hieropolis, and then peacefully rested his soul not long after.

His many great works remained known, and miracles continued to pour out from his tomb. Those who visited were healed of sickness. His relics are today on Mount Athos and one Andros, a small island of Greece.

Troparion & Kontakion

Troparion — Tone 4

You appeared to your flock as a rule of faith, / an Image of humility and a teacher of abstinence. / Because of your lowliness, Heaven was opened to you, / because of your poverty, riches were granted to you. / O Holy Bishop Averkios, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

Troparion — Tone 5

You emulated the zeal of the Apostles / and shone forth like a morning star, / and your works showed your God-given power: / you guided the erring to God, / O hierarch Averkios.

Kontakion — Tone 4

All the Church honors you, Averkios., / the Great Bishop equal to the Apostles! / O blessed one worthy of all praise, / through your intercession / keep the Church victorious, calm and unshaken.

Kontakion — Tone 8

The whole Church honors you as a great hierarch / and as a companion to the Apostles. / By your prayers keep the Church unconquered and unshaken by heresy, glorious Averkios.