Eustathius

Holy Eustathius the Confessor was bishop of Kios in Bithynia, in the eighth century. He became a monk in his youth and as a monk fulfilled God's commandments, striving for the salvation of his soul. In later years, at the people's request, he accepted priestly rank. As a priest he had unfeigned love for all, was instructive, humble, merciful and zealous for good works. Because of these virtues he was chosen bishop of the city of Kios in Bithynia, and for many years he guided the Church according to the canons and the tradition of the holy Apostles.

When the iconoclast heresy began to shake the Church, he fought fiercely in defence of the Orthodox faith. For that reason the iconoclasts denounced him to the iconoclast emperor, who threw him into prison, where he was tortured and ill-⁠treated. He spent several years in captivity, in torments, abuse and want, hungry, thirsty and naked, until his death. The Orthodox Church commemorates him on 29 March.