Hierarch

Hierarch Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus

ок. 315–403

Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus — Archbishop of Constantia, author of the "Panarion," refuting 80 heresies.

Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus (c. 315–403) was Archbishop of Constantia (Salamis) and a Father of the Church. Born in Phoenicia/Palestine to a Jewish family, he became a monk in Egypt, founded a monastery near Eleutheropolis, and led it for 30 years.

Elected Archbishop of Cyprus in 367, he governed the Church there for 36 years. He is best known as a fierce heresiologist: his Panarion catalogues and refutes 80 heresies and remains a key source on early Christian sects; he also wrote the Ancoratus.

A militant opponent of Origenism, he clashed with St. John Chrysostom late in life. He died at sea in 403 while sailing from Cyprus toward Constantinople. Feast: May 12/25.

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