Saint’s Life Story

His Early Life 

Epiphanius was born around 315 in the small settlement of Besanduk, near Eleutheropolis, Judea (modern-day Beit Guvrin, Israel). He was a Romaniote Jew, a Greek-speaking ethnic Jewish community native to the Eastern Mediterranean. Then, after witnessing a monk giving his clothes to the poor, he converted to Christianity. Epiphanius learned Greek, Latin, Syrian, and Egyptian as well as his native Hebrew in order to study the Scriptures in the original languages. He also  studied theology and classics. 

His Life as a Monk

After a time as a monk in Palestine, Epiphanius went to Egypt and stayed at several desert communities. In 333, he returned to Palestine was ordained as a priest.  Epiphanius founded and built a monastery at Eleutheropolis (Beth-Saddouk). He lived there for 30 years and became the abbot at the monastery.  For 20 years until 356, Epiphanius was a disciple and close companion of Saint Hilarion and first lived in his monastery. Epiphanius established a strong friendship and learned to lead an ascetic life of prayer and study from Saint Hilarion. 

However, when Epiphanius went into the desert he was held captive by a group of robbers. The robbers held him for several months, and during this time, Epiphanius brought one of the robbers to the Christian faith. When Epiphanius was released, the convert left with him and became a disciple. This robber-convert apparently became the man who recorded the details of Epiphanius’ life.

Bishop of Salamis

Epiphanius achieved a widespread reputation for his scholarship, austerities, mortifications, spiritual wisdom and advice. He became called “The Oracle of Palestine”. In 367, Epiphanius became the Bishop of Constantia (Salamaris), Cyprus. He continued to live as a monk taking special care of the poor. Epiphanius was revered by all around him as a holy man. 

Soon, he distinguished himself as a dedicated foe of the Arians. However, his reputation was such that he was one of the few orthodox bishops not harresed by Emperor Valens, though he preached vigorously against Arianism.

Epiphanius supported Bishop Paulinus in 376 at Antioch against the claims of Metetius and the Eastern bishops. In 382, he attended a council in Rome, Italy summoned by Pope Damasus.

Panarion and other works

After a series of disputes involving the heretics and other ecclesiastical matters, Epiphanius concentrated his efforts on writing. He wrote numerous theological treatises. Ancoratus (the well anchored man) is written on the Trinity and Resurrection with arguments against Arianism and the teachings of Origen. He also wrote De mensuribus et ponderibus on ancient Jewish customs.

His best known book is Panarion, also known as Adversus Haereses, “Against Heresies”, This book was written between 374 and 377. It forms a handbook for dealing with the arguments of some eighty heresies and their refutations. One unique feature of the Panarion is in the way that Epiphanius compares the various heretics to different poisonous beasts, going so far as to describe in detail the animal’s characteristics, how it produces its poison, and how to protect oneself from the animal’s bite or poison. The Panarion is a valuable source of information on the Christian Church of the fourth century. 

Death

At nearly 80, Epiphanius was summoned by the Bishop of Alexandria, Theophilus, to meet in Constantinople. He began the journey to Constantinople, but  realized he was being used by Theophilus against Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople. Bishop Chrysostom had given refuge to the monks persecuted by Bishop Theophilus and were appealing to the emperor. Epiphanius started back to Salamis, only to die at sea on the way home on May 12, 403.

Epiphanius was an authority on devotions to Mary, He also taught the primacy of Peter among the Apostles. Epiphanius is honored as one of the most dedicated defenders on the authentic Church in the fourth century. 

Born:                  Around 315 in Besanduk, near Eleutheropolis, Judea (modern-day Beit Guvrin, Israel)

Died:                  May 12, 403 at sea

Beatified:           Pre-Congregation

Canonized:        Pre-Congregation

Feast Day:         May 12

Patron Saint:    None

Source:

• Dictionary of Saints: Delaney, John J.
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints: Bunson, Matthew, Bunson, Margaret, Bunson, Stephen
• Epiphanius of Salamis – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

May 12 – Saint Epiphanius – Bishop of Salamis – 0403 – Cyprus – YouTube Video (cybrotius)