Venerable Constantine of Synnada (VIII)

The Venerable Constantine was born in the city of Synnada. His parents were Jews. Once, as a child, Constantine saw a Christian make the sign of the cross. He liked this very much and began to repeat the same movement, though he did not understand the meaning of what he was doing. Little by little this also had an effect on the boy’s soul: everywhere he listened eagerly to accounts of Christianity, and then he believed in Christ with his whole heart. Those around him mocked the blessed one. Once a Jewish girl insulted him terribly. Constantine made the sign of the cross over the lawless girl, who at once gave up the ghost; but then the guileless and compassionate young man took pity on the girl, prayed fervently, and brought her back to life.

With a pure heart the blessed Constantine trusted the voice of the Lord, left his parental home and settled in a monastery, where at that time great ascetics were labouring, shining with monastic virtues. The hegumen talked with him, and then held out a cross to him and told him to kiss it. The saint kissed it with love and pressed his forehead to it, and the saving sign was imprinted on it, and it did not leave him all his life. The Lord’s chosen one was baptised with the name Constantine and tonsured a monk. When he was making his monastic vows, a wonderful fragrance spread all around, and the doors of the church opened before him of their own accord.

Through his strict and tireless labours the holy father received the grace of clairvoyance: he saw clearly the thoughts of the brothers, and the approach of his own end was also made known to him beforehand. At last the Venerable Constantine committed his soul to the Lord in peace.