Saint Publius
Saint Publius, also known as Publius of Malta or Publius of Athens, was an early Christian bishop and saint. He is considered the first Bishop of Malta and one of the first Bishops of Athens.
Publius is Malta's first canonised saint, who is described in the Book of Acts as the 'chief' or prince of the island (Maltese: il-prinċep tal-gżira). According to Maltese Christian tradition, Publius' conversion led to Malta being the first Christian nation in the West.
He is venerated in the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church, with feast days on 22 January and 13 March respectively.
Patron saint of Malta, Floriana; Athens, Greece
In the Martyrology
- January 21 Saint Publius, bishop of Malta