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Epiphanius of Salamis

Also: Epiphanius of Constantia, Epiphanius of Cyprus

Born probably between 310 and 320, probably in Besanduk, near Eleutheropolis (near Beit Guvrin, Israel). Died probably between 402 and 403; the place is not known.

A monk from Palestine who became bishop of Salamis in Cyprus. His Panarion describes eighty heresies and gives the answer to each.

Wrote in Greek. A major author.

Places lived

  1. 335 to 366Besanduk, near Eleutheropolis (near Beit Guvrin, Israel)monk, founder and abbotyears probable, place probableAs a young man he lived some years with the monks of Egypt.
  2. 367 to 403Salamis (Constantia), near Famagusta, Cyprusbishopyears probableHe became bishop between 365 and 367.

Works

4 works, in the order they were written. 1 work can be read here.

How we know the dates and places
Born probable
Scholars say about 315. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Epiphanius'.
Place of birth probable
Sozomen, Church History 6.32; the old Life of Epiphanius
The village Besanduk is not found. The point is the town Eleutheropolis.
Died probable
Socrates, Church History 6.14; Sozomen, Church History 8.15
The usual date is 12 May 403.
Place of death not known
He died at sea, on the way from Constantinople to Cyprus (Socrates, Church History 6.14; Sozomen 8.15).
Besanduk, near Eleutheropolis, years probable
Jerome, Against John of Jerusalem 4; Sozomen, Church History 6.32
Besanduk, near Eleutheropolis, place probable
Jerome, Against John of Jerusalem 4; Sozomen, Church History 6.32
Salamis (Constantia), years probable
Jerome, On Illustrious Men 114
Salamis (Constantia), place sure
Jerome, On Illustrious Men 114