Saint Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium

Life

Amphilochius was a compatriot, companion, and friend of Saint Basil the Great and other great saints of the fourth century. He abandoned worldly turmoil early and withdrew into a cave, where as a hermit he lived in ascetic struggle for forty years. It then happened that the episcopal see in Iconium became vacant, and Amphilochius was chosen and consecrated in a wondrous manner as Bishop of Iconium. He was a wonderful pastor and great defender of the pure Orthodox Faith. He participated in the Second Ecumenical Council in the year 381. He zealously fought against the wicked Macedonius, and against the Arians and Eunomius. He personally asked Emperor Theodosius the Great to banish the Arians from every city in the state. The emperor did not fulfill his desire. After several days Amphilochius again appeared before the emperor. When the bishop was led into the reception chamber, the emperor was sitting on the throne, and beside him on the right side sat his son Arcadius, whom Theodosius had taken as co-emperor. Upon entering, holy Amphilochius bowed to Emperor Theodosius, but paid no attention to Arcadius, the emperor's son, as if he were not even there. Emperor Theodosius became very angry because of this and ordered that Amphilochius be immediately driven from the court. Then the saint said to the emperor: "Seest thou, O emperor, how thou dost not endure dishonor to thy son; so also God the Father does not endure dishonor to His Son, turns away with hatred from those who blaspheme Him, and is wroth with all adherents of that accursed (Arian) heresy." Hearing this, the emperor understood why Amphilochius had not shown honor to his son, and marveled at his wisdom and boldness. Among many other labors Saint Amphilochius wrote several books on the faith. He reposed in the year 395 in deep old age and passed into immortal life.

From the Hymn of Praise

Knight of Christ, holy Alexander,Prince to the people but servant to the Lord,Ruler of the land, but slave of the Almighty,This is the whole life of Nevsky.