Abercius of Hieropolis
Abercius of Hieropolis (died c. 167), also known as Saint Abercius, was a Christian clergyman of Hierapolis in Phrygia Salutaris during the reign of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, and is generally, though not indisputably, regarded as having been bishop of Hierapolis and the successor of Papias. He may also be identical with an author referred to in later sources as Avircius Marcellus.
Abercius is principally known from an important inscription that he apparently had erected over his future tomb. The inscription records a journey to Rome, where he states, "I saw a people bearing the splendid seal", the "seal" referring to baptism, and a journey beyond the Euphrates, where, in his words, "everywhere I had associates". It also attests to the contemporary practice of the Eucharist with bread and wine.
In the Martyrology
- October 22 Saint Abercius, bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia