SAINT ABILIUS, (Avilius) (85-98)

The third patriarch of the See of Saint Mark (85-98) (feast day: 1 Tut). According to the Historia ecclesiastica by EUSEBIUS OF CAESAREA, at the death of Patriarch, probably in 85, his suffragan bishops and priests from Egypt and the Pentapolis converged upon Alexandria, where they took counsel with the orthodox laity and, having cast lots, unanimously selected Abilius for his chastity and knowledge of Christ. He remained in office for thirteen years and nine months. He was laid to rest next to the remains of Saint Mark in the Church of Bucalis at Alexandria. Little is known about his reign.

AZIZ S. ATIYA