Saint Epiphanius of Salamis
Saint Epiphanius of Salamis (born c. 310–320 AD in Besanduk, near Eleutheropolis, Palestine; died May 12, 403 AD at sea, near Cyprus) was the Bishop of Salamis (Constantia) in Cyprus for over thirty years and one of the most zealous heresiologists of the early Church. His major work, the Panarion (Medicine Chest), catalogued and refuted 80 heresies. He was a fierce defender of Nicene orthodoxy and a vigorous opponent of Arianism, Origenism, and other theological errors. He is a Father of the Church. His feast day is May 12.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Epiphanius of Salamis
| Saint Epiphanius of Salamis | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | May 12 |
| Profession | Bishop; theologian; heresiologist; Father of the Church |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Eastern Orthodox Church; Bishop of Salamis 367–403 |
| Patronage | Cyprus; theologians; heresiologists; those defending orthodoxy |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; open book (Panarion); serpent (crushing heresy); pen |
| Birthplace | Besanduk, near Eleutheropolis, Palestine (modern Israel/Palestine) |
| Death Place | At sea, between Constantinople and Cyprus |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes; died aboard ship while returning from Constantinople to Cyprus |
| Primary Shrine | Church of Saint Barnabas, Salamis/Famagusta, Cyprus — near the ancient see; Epiphanius is honored here; the area is now in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial (Roman Calendar, May 12) |
| Historic Class | Feast |
Biography
Epiphanius was born around 310–320 AD near Eleutheropolis (modern Beit Guvrin, Israel) in Palestine. Of Jewish or Gentile origin (sources differ), he was converted to Christianity as a young man after an experience with a monk. He spent years among the desert monks of Egypt and Palestine, absorbing the ascetic tradition. He founded a monastery at Eleutheropolis around 335 AD, which he led for about thirty years.
Around 367 he was consecrated Bishop of Salamis in Cyprus, the chief city of the island. He became one of the dominant theological voices of his age, recognized throughout the East and West as a champion of orthodox Christianity and a vast encyclopedist of heresy.
His major works include:
- Ancoratus (The Well-Anchored Man, 374 AD) — a summary of orthodox doctrine against Arianism and other heresies; contains an early form of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.
- Panarion (Medicine Chest or Against All Heresies, 374–377 AD) — a catalogue and refutation of 80 heresies, arranged as antidotes to eighty poison snakes. An invaluable source for the history of early Christian thought.
- De Mensuris et Ponderibus (On Weights and Measures) — on biblical geography and the texts of scripture.
Epiphanius was deeply suspicious of theological speculation and defended what he considered the tradition received from the Apostles. He was a fierce opponent of Origenism — the speculative theology of Origen of Alexandria — and helped trigger the Origenist controversy that troubled the Church at the end of the 4th century. He pressured Saint John Chrysostom and traveled to Constantinople in 402, but left before Chrysostom's deposition, reportedly troubled by conscience at what he had become involved in. He died aboard ship on May 12, 403, while returning to Cyprus.
His feast day is May 12 in the Roman Calendar (Optional Memorial) and May 12 in the Eastern Orthodox Calendar.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Besanduk, near Eleutheropolis, Palestine (modern Israel/Palestine)
Death location: At sea, between Constantinople and Cyprus
Notable location: His episcopal see for over 36 years; he was consecrated Bishop of Salamis around 367 and served until his death; the site of the ancient city is near modern Famagusta (Salamis (Constantia), Cyprus)
Notable location: He was connected to the Judean desert monastic tradition; he spent time studying with monks in Egypt and Palestine; his Palestinian origins shaped his theology (Jerusalem and Palestine)
Notable location: He traveled to Constantinople in 402 to take part in the controversy against Saint John Chrysostom; his opposition to Chrysostom is the shadow over his later career; he left before Chrysostom's deposition (Constantinople)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Ancient Salamis, near Famagusta, northern Cyprus (Turkish-controlled) — site of his episcopal see.
Feast day
May 12
Veneration
Saint Epiphanius of Salamis is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with an Optional Memorial on May 12. He is also venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church on May 12.
Prayers
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