St Agapetus the Confessor, Bishop of Synnada (IV)

Saint Agapetus the Confessor, Bishop of Synnada, was born in Cappadocia in the time of the Emperors Diocletian (284–305) and Maximian (284–305). His parents were Christians. The saint was quite young when he went to a monastery, where he took on the labour of strict fasting, prayer and service of the brothers of the monastery. For his diligent labours the Lord granted Agapetus the gift of wonderworking.

When the Emperor Licinius (307–324) learned of the saint’s great physical strength, he ordered him to be enrolled in military service against his will.

During the persecution of the Christians by Licinius, Agapetus joined the holy Martyrs Victor, Dorotheus, Theodulus and Agrippa, but he remained alive. After the tormenting emperor’s death he was given the chance to free himself from service in the army. Constantine the Great, Equal to the Apostles (306–337), learned that Agapetus was endowed with the gift of wonderworking and sent him a sick servant, who was healed through Saint Agapetus’s prayer. The emperor promised the saint a rich reward, but he asked for only one thing: permission to leave military service and return to the monastery. When it was granted, he joyfully went back to the monastery.

Soon the Bishop of Synnada summoned the holy father and ordained him presbyter, and after the hierarch’s death both clergy and laity unanimously chose the Venerable Agapetus in his place. The new bishop governed his flock wisely. Many miracles took place through his prayer. The holy father reposed in peace.