Epiphanius was a Phoenician by birth, but was brought up in a Jewish home and by default became a Jew. This meant that he knew the scriptures perfectly, going to the synagogue every Saturday, where he listened to connoisseurs of the law of God. When he heard of Jesus, he immediately realized that he was the Messiah of whom the prophets spoke. Epiphanius believed in Christ with all his heart. He distributed the estate and retired to Egypt, to a monastery. In that monastery Abba Hilarion, a famous theologian, served. The young, well-educated Epiphanius found his place in the library. He rewrote Greek books and wrote his thoughts. But the soul asked for austerity and Epiphanius retired to the desert. He was captured there by robbers. The matter ended with one of the robbers accepting Christ and becoming a disciple and bibliographer of Epiphanius. His crestioi under the name of John, and he accompanied the monk everywhere.
Even though Epiphanius retired into the desert, rumors still brought people to him. As he did not avoid life in the world, but he had to leave the monastery.
In Salamis, in Crete, a bishop died. And so the elders gathered to choose a new one. And at this time Abba Hilarion sent Epiphanius Ouda on business. And the elder presbyter had a vision that a monk who had come from afar should be elected bishop. Epiphanius knew that this was what God wanted and agreed to the position.
Epiphanius became famous for his writings, in which he denounced heretics. Especially the Arianism that was prevalent at the time. He read a lot, quoted authors whose works have not reached us.
Epiphanius was glorified for his piety and mercy. For his asceticism, he was given the gift of seeing the descent of the Spirit on the Holy Gifts during the liturgy. When there was no vision, Epiphanius knew that someone had sinned and did not repent.
Epiphany, as a famous fighter against heresy, was summoned to Constantinople to participate in the trial of John Chrysostom. Arriving there, the monk was convinced that John was innocent and left Constantinople. On the way home, he died. On May 12, 403, he was buried in the Cathedral of Salamis with great honors. At the 7th Ecumenical Council, Epiphany was called the teacher and father of the Church.
Memorial Day
May 25
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
