Theophilus of the Indies

Theophilus of the Indies bishop of the Homerites, was born in the isle of Diu. When yet a youth he was brought as a hostage to Constantinople, where he became a Christian (Arian). He was made deacon, and finally bishop for the Arabic mission about 350. Being supplied by Constantius with rich presents for the princes at home and with money for the building of churches, he converted the king of the Homerites, and built churches at Taphar, Aden, and Hormulz. The large number of Jews, however, residing in tile country prevented a further propagation of Christianity. In the year 356 Constantius appointed him bishop of the Ethiopic Church. From the isle of Socotra he went to Axum, but was soon obliged to leave the place. See Le Quien, Oriens Chrislianus, 2, 644; Theolog. Universal-Lexikon, s.v. (B. P.)