Hieromartyr Zeno, Bishop of Verona (+c. 360)

The Hieromartyr Zeno of Verona (+c. 360) was Greek by origin and lived in Syria. Tonsured a monk while still young, the saint, after visiting the monasteries, came to Verona. For his virtuous life the people of Verona chose him as their bishop.

The emperors of that time, Constantius (353–361) and Valens (364–378), patronised the heresy of Arius, condemned by the First Ecumenical Council (325). Saint Zeno endured much oppression from the heretics. In his sermons and letters the holy bishop firmly defended the Orthodox teaching. Saint Zeno wrote sixteen long and seventy-seven short instructions and exhortations. He died around 360.

Saint Gregory the Dialogist (commemorated 12 March) describes a miracle that took place on the day of Saint Zeno’s commemoration in 558: a flood at that time completely inundated the city of Verona and its surroundings; the water rose to the windows of the church dedicated to Saint Zeno, but at the church’s open doors it stood like a wall: even the elements bowed before the holiness of Saint Zeno.