Hierarch Byzantine

Saint Sophronius Archbishop of Cyprus

sixth century

Also known as Sophronius of Cyprus

An archbishop of Cyprus known for study of Scripture, good works, and wonderworking.

Feast Day

December 9

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Commemorated as

Our Father among the Saints Sophronius, Archbishop of Cyprus

Life

Sophronius was an archbishop of Cyprus venerated as a hierarch and wonderworker, commemorated on December 9. According to the synaxarion, he was born into a Christian family on Cyprus and, after a thorough education, gave himself above all to the study of the Holy Scriptures. The tradition presents him as a model bishop, distinguished by piety, learning, and charity toward the poor.

By tradition Sophronius lived in the sixth century. The sources relate that he studied many sciences but devoted himself most of all to reading and meditating on Scripture over many years, and that through his observance of the commandments and his good works he was granted the gift of wonderworking. He is said to have succeeded Saint Damian, bishop of Cyprus, being chosen to fill the see after Damian's death, and to have served as a true father to his flock. Some accounts place his episcopate during the reign of the emperor Justinian and name Gregorius as his successor.

The synaxarion remembers Sophronius chiefly for his charitable works as archbishop, describing him as the nourisher of the hungry, the provider of the poor, the helper of orphans, the protector of widows, and a deliverer of the afflicted. Having served the Church and led a life accounted pleasing to God, he is recorded to have reposed in peace.

Timeline 2 moments Read Hide

sixth century Birth on Cyprus By tradition Sophronius was born into a Christian family on Cyprus.
after the death of Saint Damian Chosen archbishop of Cyprus He was selected to succeed Saint Damian as bishop of Cyprus.

Contributions & Legacy

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Study of Scripture and Wonderworking

The defining feature of Sophronius in the tradition is his devotion to the Holy Scriptures. The accounts state that, though educated in many subjects, he applied himself most of all to reading and meditating on Scripture, and that he continued in this study for many years. This learning is presented not as scholarship for its own sake but as the foundation of a life of piety and good works.

The sources connect his spiritual gifts to this manner of life: through his observance of God's commandments he was, by tradition, granted the gift of working miracles. He is accordingly remembered with the title of wonderworker, though the surviving notices do not record specific miracles in detail.

Episcopate and Charity

Sophronius is said to have been chosen as bishop of Cyprus following the death of Saint Damian, whom he succeeded in the see. The tradition emphasizes the charitable character of his rule, listing his care for the hungry, the poor, orphans, widows, and the afflicted as the marks of his episcopate. Some accounts further situate his tenure during the reign of Justinian and record that he was followed in office by Gregorius.

Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Lives of the Saints