Constantine of Synada

Venerable Constantine of Synada was a native of the city of Synnada in Phrygia, of Jewish descent. From his youth he was drawn to the Christian faith. Careful study of the teaching of Christ set his heart aflame, and he left his parents to become a monk. He went to the monastery of Phouvoution, whose monks were known for their God-⁠pleasing life; after they had tested him enough and were convinced of his sincere and luminous faith, they baptized him and gave him the name Constantine. He was tonsured a monk and gave himself to the study of spiritual books.

That was not enough for him; he wanted to teach others the love of Christ, and he went from city to city proclaiming the word of God. Among other places he visited Olympus in Myra of Lycia, Cyprus, Attalia and Atroa, where he fell asleep in peace. When the Holy Cross was brought to him he kissed it with love and touched it to his head; the image of the Holy Cross impressed itself upon him all his life. He is commemorated on 26 December (new style).