He left the hustle and bustle of the world early and retired to a cave, where he lived as a hermit in asceticism for forty years. Then it happened that the episcopal see in Iconium was vacant and Amphilochius was miraculously elected and consecrated bishop of Iconium. He was a wonderful shepherd and a great defender of the pure Orthodox faith. He participated in the II Ecumenical Council in 381. He zealously fought against the wicked Macedonius and against the Arians and Eunomius. He personally begged Emperor Theodosius the Great to expel the Arians from every city in the state. When the bishop was ushered into the reception chamber, the emperor was seated on the throne, and on his right was his son Arcadius, whom he had made co-emperor. When Amphilochius entered, he bowed to the king Theodosius, and he did not even look at Arcadius, the king's son, even though he was not there. Emperor Theodosius was very angry because of this and ordered Amphilochius to be immediately expelled from the palace. In addition to numerous works and exploits, Saint Amphilochius also wrote several books on faith. He passed away in 395 at a very old age and passed into the immortal life.