Saint of the day, May 12
Epiphanius was born to two Greek-speaking parents, also known as Romaniote Jews. It is unclear if his parents were Christian or if they converted to Christianity when Epiphanius was still quite young. Epiphanius became a monk and received his education in the desert.
May 12 - St. Epiphanius of Salamis
Born: 310 or 315
Died: 403
Nationality: Romaniote Jew
Vocation: priest, religious
Canonization: pre-congregation
Epiphanius was born to two Greek-speaking parents, also known as Romaniote Jews. It is unclear if his parents were Christian or if they converted to Christianity when Epiphanius was still quite young. Epiphanius became a monk and received his education in the desert.
Around the year 333, he left the desert to build his own monastery in Palestine. He was very learned and well-versed in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Syrian, and Egyptian. He studied for several decades under St. Hilarion, whose influence eventually led to Epiphanius’ assignment as bishop of the episcopate of Salamis in 367.
Throughout his life, Epiphanius helped the Church to combat the heresy of Arianism, which denied that Jesus was both God and man. He wrote several documents and spoke out strongly in defense of the Orthodoxy of the Church. In some cases, however, his doctrine was flawed, and he once spoke out against St. John Chrysostom, though he eventually regretted this, and attempted to distance himself from the issue.
Though he made some mistakes, the majority of his work was instrumental in building up the doctrine of the Church. He is considered one of the Fathers of the Church and is cited in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He died in 403.
St. Epiphanius of Salamis, pray for us.
