Saint Abercius converts Hierapolis through prayer and miracles

The post recounts the life of Saint Abercius, Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia during the reign of Emperor Antoninus in the second century. At that time the city was largely pagan, with only a small Christian community. Deeply saddened by the spiritual darkness surrounding him, Abercius prayed continually that God would lead the people to the truth.

During a major pagan festival he entered a temple and destroyed the idols. The enraged crowd wanted to kill him, but three young men suffering from demonic possession fell before him, crying out in torment. Abercius prayed, and through the power of Jesus Christ the evil spirits departed.

The young men were immediately restored to peace. Witnessing this miracle, the crowd's anger turned into astonishment. Five hundred people received Holy Baptism, and gradually the entire city of Hierapolis embraced Christianity. Later Abercius restored the sight of the blind mother of Publius, the regional governor, bringing him and many others to faith in Christ.

His miracles became known far beyond Hierapolis. He was summoned to Rome, where according to his life he healed the emperor's daughter. The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him on several occasions, strengthening him in his sacred mission. At God's command Abercius also traveled through Syria and Mesopotamia, preaching the Gospel and bringing souls to Christ.

He peacefully reposed in Hierapolis at an advanced age near the end of the second century. The post concludes by noting that one faithful servant of God can become an instrument through which thousands discover Christ, as Abercius's prayers led to the conversion of an entire city, and ends with the invocation: Holy Saint Abercius, Equal-to-the-Apostles, pray to God for us.