Avilius

83-99AD

Avilius (Abilius in the West), also known as Milius or Melyos served as the third Patriarch of Alexandria (head of the church that became the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of Alexandria) between 83 and 99.

He was enthroned during the reign of the Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus. He is regarded as a saint in the Coptic Orthodox Church, which observes his feast on 1 Thout.

In the Church History of Eusebius of Caesarea, it is recorded that, upon the death of Anianus of Alexandria, all the suffragan bishops and priests of his area converged in Alexandria where they conferred with the laity about the next appointment to the position. Having cast lots, they unanimously voted for Avilius to succeed him, based on Avilius; reputation for chastity and his knowledge of Christ. He remained in that position for nineteen years and eight months, and was buried next to the remains of Mark the Evangelist in the Church of Bucalis in Alexandria.

References

Atiya, Aziz S. The Coptic Encyclopedia. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1991. ISBN 002897025X

 
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