Quick Facts
Biography
Pope Avilius of Alexandria (or Abilius), also known as St. Sabellius (Abylius, Abitius, Milius and Melyos) (? – 95 AD), was the third Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.
Overview
Upon the death of Pope Anianus of Alexandria, the suffragan bishops and priests of the area converged with the laity in Alexandria, Egypt and talked about the next appointment to the position. Avilius was unanimously elected in the month of December (Kiahk), 83 AD, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus.
Pope Avilius was known for his chastity, and was pious and caring towards the people of Christ. He continued to establish the people in faith and the Christians grew in number in Egypt and in the five western provinces, and Sudan. During his time serving, the Egyptian people began renouncing the worshiping of idols and practiced their Christianity together, in groups. Despite the religion of Egypt being Roman Paganism, his time as pope was a time of peace for the church. While some historians claim that Emperor Domitianus had expelled Avilius from the "episcopal throne", and installed another in his place, there is no written history of this. According to historical records, he remained in his position for twelve years, and departed on the first of Thout (11 September), in the year 95 AD. Avilius was buried next to the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist in the Church of Baucalis in Alexandria, Egypt.
Veneration
St. Milieus, 3rd Patriarch of Alexandria is venerated, as a saint, in various churches. His feast day in the Coptic Church is on The Coptic New Year 1 Thout, which is September 11 in the Gregorian Calendar, and on 29 August and 29 March in the Roman Catholic Church, and 22 February in Greek Orthodox Church.
