Saint Amphilochius of Iconium

Life story

Amphilochius was born into a distinguished family in Cappadocia, perhaps at Caesarea around 339 or 340. His father was a well-known lawyer and his mother was Livia. He was probably a first cousin of Gregory of Nazianzus. He trained in law and practised in Constantinople, then withdrew to a religious life near Gregory.

He was drawn into the circle of Basil of Caesarea. Early in 374 he became bishop of Iconium, an important see, probably placed there by Basil. He supported Basil in the affairs of the Cappadocian churches until Basil died in 379, and Basil dedicated his treatise On the Holy Spirit to him.

He attended the Council of Constantinople in 381 with Gregory, where Jerome met him. He defended the divinity of the Holy Spirit against the Macedonians. He was also very active against the Messalian movement and helped to stamp it out.

The only genuine surviving work of his, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, is the Synodical Letter, written against the Macedonians on behalf of the bishops of Lycaonia; other works attributed to him, such as the Iambics to Seleucus, are considered spurious. He probably died between 394 and 403. His feast is 23 November in the Orthodox Church.

Works and witness

• Trained in law and practised in Constantinople before turning to religious life
• Bishop of Iconium from early 374
• Dedicatee of Basil's On the Holy Spirit
• Took part in the Council of Constantinople in 381
• Opposed the Macedonians and the Messalians

Saints from the same country

Saint Paul, Saint Luke, Saint George, Saint Nicholas

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia: 'Amphilochius of Iconium' (newadvent.org/cathen/01438a.htm)
• Orthochristian.com: 'St. Amphilochius the Bishop of Iconium' (feast, 23 November)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.