Saint Publius of Malta

Saint Publius, also known as Publius of Malta or Publius of Athens, was an early Christian bishop and saint who is considered the first Bishop of Malta and one of the first Bishops of Athens. The Book of Acts describes him as 'the chief' or prince of the island (Maltese: il-prinċep tal-gżira). According to Maltese Christian tradition, Publius' conversion led to Malta being recognized as the first Christian nation in the West. He is venerated in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches with feast days on 22 January and 13 March respectively.