Hierarch 4th century

Saint Triphyllius Bishop of Leucosia

Early 4th century – c. 370

Also known as Triphyllius of Nicosia · Triphyllius of Cyprus

A learned and eloquent man, trained in law at Beirut, who became a disciple of the simple St Spyridon and, putting worldly wisdom beneath the wisdom of Christ, served as bishop of Leucosia in Cyprus.

Feast Day

June 13

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Commemorated as

Our Father among the Saints Triphyllius, Bishop of Leucosia

Life

Saint Triphyllius (also rendered Tryphyllios, Tryphillius, or Triphylius; Greek: Τριφύλλιος) was a fourth-century bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia) in Cyprus. Born in Constantinople in the early fourth century, he was a learned and eloquent man who studied law at the celebrated Law School of Beirut (Berit) before placing worldly wisdom beneath the wisdom of Christ.

Despite his academic gifts, he chose as his spiritual guide Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, a man described as neither bookish nor learned but conspicuous for holiness. Their relationship, marked by Spyridon's repeated correction of his disciple's attachment to earthly splendor and learned pride, became the most remembered theme of Triphyllius's life. As bishop he was known for a charitable soul, a heart without malice, right faith, and love toward all, and he died in old age around 370.

Timeline 5 moments Read Hide

Early 4th c. Birth and education Born in Constantinople, Triphyllius was an intelligent and eloquent youth who studied law at the Law School of Beirut (Berit, modern Beirut).
c. 337–340 Healing of the emperor When Emperor Constantine II fell gravely ill and physicians could not help, a vision of an angel pointed out two bishops as healers. Saint Spyridon and his disciple Triphyllius were summoned; the emperor recognized them and requested their prayers, and Spyridon's intercession resulted in his healing. During this encounter Triphyllius was captivated by the palace and its pomp, and Spyridon rebuked him, explaining that earthly splendor means nothing since all face judgment equally.
4th c. Bishop of Leucosia Triphyllius was appointed bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia) on Cyprus, following the spiritual leadership of Saint Spyridon.
c. 370 Repose He died in old age at Leucosia, Cyprus.
12th c. Witness of his relics By tradition, the Russian pilgrim Igumen Daniel reportedly witnessed his relics on Cyprus.

Contributions & Legacy

4 contributions Read Hide

Discipleship under Saint Spyridon

Though trained in law and esteemed for his eloquence, Triphyllius chose as his spiritual guide Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, a man the sources describe as neither bookish nor learned but conspicuous for his holiness. The pairing of the learned disciple with the simple, holy bishop frames the principal episodes recorded of his life.

Several incidents recount Spyridon correcting his disciple's attachment to worldly things. After Triphyllius was dazzled by the imperial palace during the healing of the emperor, Spyridon reminded him that earthly splendor is nothing before the common judgment of all. Once, passing through the fertile region of Parimnos, Triphyllius was distracted by the natural beauty until Spyridon reminded him that 'our habitation and riches are in Heaven.'

At a council of bishops on Cyprus, Triphyllius addressed the people on the Gospel account of Christ healing a paralytic (Mark 2:11), using the word 'bed' in place of the word 'cot.' Saint Spyridon publicly objected, asking whether Triphyllius considered himself superior to Christ's own wording, and then left the church — a public correction against spiritual pride.

Episcopate and Character

Triphyllius served as bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia) on Cyprus. He built a monastery at Leucosia using the inheritance he received from his mother. The sources remember him for a charitable soul, a heart without malice, right faith, and love toward all.

According to one account, he was an ardent supporter of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria against the Arians and faced persecution as a result. Saint Jerome reportedly considered him one of the most eloquent Church figures of the era.

Relics & Shrines

By tradition, the twelfth-century Russian pilgrim Igumen Daniel witnessed his relics on Cyprus.

Veneration

Triphyllius is commemorated on June 13. According to one account his feast falls on June 13 in both Eastern and Western calendars, and he is venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

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