Historical Context
Averkios lived in second-century Phrygia under Marcus Aurelius. His see was Hierapolis (Hieropolis) in Phrygia Salutaris; scholars including William Ramsay and J. B. Lightfoot debated whether the relevant Hierapolis lay in the Maeander valley or the Sandıklı valley.
He succeeded Papias of Hierapolis as bishop. Some scholars identify him with 'Avircius Marcellus,' cited by Eusebius as the author of a work against the Montanist heresy, an identification consistent with his reputation for combating heresy.
The Abercius Inscription
Averkios is the probable author of the Abercius Inscription, an epitaph he is said to have composed for his own tombstone. The text describes his travels to Rome — where he saw 'a queen golden-robed' — and to Syria and Mesopotamia, and speaks of Christian communities bearing 'a shining mark' (baptism), with eucharistic imagery conveyed through the symbol of the fish.
The stele was rediscovered by the Scottish archaeologist William Mitchell Ramsay: in 1882 he found near Kelendres a Christian gravestone of 216 belonging to one Alexander, whose wording echoed the epitaph, and in 1883 he located two further fragments built into public baths at Hieropolis.
The fragments are now preserved in the Vatican Museums (the inscription is also associated historically with the Lateran collection), with casts held in various institutions. Scholars cite the inscription as early evidence for the prominence of Rome's Christian community, for second-century baptismal practice, for eucharistic reception, and for prayers offered for the deceased.
Works
Tradition ascribes to Averkios an Epistle to the Emperor Marcus Aurelius and a Book of Discipline (Greek Bíblos didaskalías) addressed to his clergy; both are lost. He is also reckoned the probable author of the Abercius Inscription. He may further be the 'Avircius Marcellus' whom Eusebius names as the author of a work against Montanism.
Relics & Shrines
Averkios's skull is preserved at the Monastery of the Most Pure Theotokos on the island of Andros. Additional relic fragments are kept at the Monastery of Karakalou on Mount Athos, the Monastery of Proussos in Evritania, and the Monastery of Phaneromeni on Salamis.
His tombstone, bearing the epitaph he is said to have composed, is preserved among the inscriptions held in the Vatican (Lateran) collection.
Miracles & Traditions
Historically Documented: The Abercius Inscription, an early Christian epitaph rediscovered in the nineteenth century, provides datable evidence connected to Averkios and his travels, and is preserved in the Vatican Museums.
Traditional Accounts: The synaxarion relates that an angel instructed Averkios to destroy the idols in the pagan temples of Hieropolis. By tradition he expelled demons from three possessed youths through prayer, an event said to have prompted the conversion of the pagan population. He is also remembered for preaching and healing across Syria, Cilicia, Mesopotamia, and Rome, and for miracles reported at his tomb after his repose.
