St Zosimas of Syracuse (+c. 662)

The parents of Saint Zosimas of Syracuse (+c. 662) had no child for a long time. The Lord heard the entreaty of the pious parents and granted them a son. At seven Zosimas was entrusted to a monastery to be brought up; years later he was tonsured a monk there and for forty years was superior of the monastery. Pope Theodore consecrated the saint Bishop of Syracuse (641–649).

Saint Zosimas was distinguished by compassion and freedom from self-interest, and governed his flock by word and by his own example. At the end of his life Zosimas fell ill, but he bore the trial magnanimously and patiently. Around 662, after thirteen years as chief shepherd, Saint Zosimas died. Many healings took place at his tomb.