Synesius of Karpasia

Holy Hierarch Synesius of Karpasia was bishop of Karpasia on the Karpas peninsula in the north of Cyprus, and he is regarded as the protector of that land. The few facts about him come from the synaxarion and from local tradition, which names a monk Akakios as its source.

He was born in Karpasia and succeeded Saint Philon, the city's first bishop (commemorated on 24 January), on the episcopal throne. He is described as a meek man without guile, who contended zealously against the heresies of his day in order to guard his flock and establish the true faith. The gentleness of his words and his arguments, supported by many miracles, brought the wandering back.

After his repose he did not cease to grant healings to those who run to him with faith, above all to sufferers of urinary complaints. At Rizokarpaso, the village tied to his veneration, stands a twelfth-⁠century church built beside the cave called the Cave of Saint Synesius, where he is said to have lived in ascetic labour. His memory is kept on 26 May in the Greek calendar (new style); some lists place it on 23 May together with Saint Michael of Synada. In earlier times the great feast at Rizokarpaso took place in Easter week.