Bishop
Saint Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium, was born in Caesarea of Cappadocia. His father, also named Amphilochius, was the brother of the blessed Nonna, the mother of Saint Gregory the Theologian. He raised his children in the spirit of Christian piety. The younger son, having become an orator and lawyer, soon withdrew to the desert, where he spent time in prayer and fasting.
After the death of the Bishop of Iconium, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Amphilochius and called him to serve. At first, he did not believe, but on the third night, the Angel appeared again and led him to the church, where he was consecrated as a bishop. He was placed on the archiepiscopal throne in the year 373.
Saint Amphilochius fought against the heresy of Arius and was a companion of the holy fathers, participating in the Second Ecumenical Council. He also implored Emperor Theodosius the Great to destroy the Arian assemblies, and, thanks to his wisdom, achieved their expulsion from the cities.
The saint defended the church from the heresy of the Messalians and attended the council in Side, where this heresy was condemned. Having reached a great old age, Saint Amphilochius peacefully fell asleep in the Lord around the year 395.
