Apiary

APIARIO. - An unworthy priest of Sicca Veneria (Africa), known for two appeals to Rome. Excommunicated by his bishop, Urbano, he came to Rome and appealed to Pope Zosimo (418). The latter sent him back to his homeland accompanied by three legates: Faustino, bishop of Potenza Picena, and the priests Filippo and Asello. The Council of Carthage of May 419, having examined the case, absolved A. but removed him from Sicca. Having taken refuge in Tabraca and fallen again into other offenses, A. was once more excommunicated. The unworthy man appealed to Celestino I, who accepted the appeal and again sent the legate Faustino to Carthage. A., having confessed his guilt, was definitively condemned after three days of stormy conciliar sessions (c. 426). Faustino returned to Rome bearing a very severe letter from the African episcopate.