Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus
Today we celebrate St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus. St. Epiphanius was a Jew by birth, but converted along with his sister Callithrope.
He was tonsured a monk at the young age of twenty-six and later founded a monastery. He became known in Palestine and Egypt for his asceticism, spiritual wisdom, and miracle working. St. Epiphanius later moved to Cyprus and to his surprise was chosen as bishop for the city of Salamis.
He was tonsured a monk at the young age of twenty-six and later founded a monastery. He became known in Palestine and Egypt for his asceticism, spiritual wisdom, and miracle working. St. Epiphanius later moved to Cyprus and to his surprise was chosen as bishop for the city of Salamis.
St. Epiphanius was called to Constantinople by Emperor Arcadius and his wife Eudoxia. They had asked a group of bishops to denounce and condemn St. John Chrysostom. The emperor and his wife tried to persuade him to denounce him. This news made its way to St. John Chrysostom, who wrote him a letter stating, "Brother Epiphanius, I heard that you advised the emperor that I should be exiled; know that you will never see your throne again." To this, Epiphanius replied: "O suffering John, withstand insults; know that you will never reach the place to which you are exiled."
Both of these were fulfilled. St. Epiphanius left Constantinople secretly and died on the ship en route for Cyprus. St. John Chrysostom was banished to Armenia, and the saint also died en route.
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