Saint Michael, bishop of Synades the Confessor
Date of celebration: 23/05
Saint Michael lived during the reign of Emperor Leo the Armenian and came from a rich and noble family, from the Synods of Phrygia. He diligently studied the sacred letters and then arrived in Constantinople to continue his studies.
There he connected with a famous spiritual man the Guardian (see March 8), and they decided to devote themselves to the exercise of the flesh and the study of the Holy Scriptures. They retired to a monastery on the Black Sea which had been founded by Patriarch Tarasios, who, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, welcomed them cordially and very quickly ordained them elders.
Afterwards, Theophylaktos was elected bishop of Nicomedia, while Michael was elected bishop of Synades.
From the position of Bishop, Michael shone spiritually. A strong fighter of the faith, he taught the word of God every day, preached, instructed and energetically helped the poor, the sick and the weak. He was also distinguished for his adherence to orthodox doctrines and his fierce fight against heretical teachings.
When the emperor Leo the Armenian declared persecution against those who defended the holy icons, Michael bravely opposed this provocative action of the emperor. Enraged, Leo ordered that he be imprisoned in a fortress, which was called Eudokias.
However, Osios continued to proclaim the truth in return for constant exile, hardships and deprivations to end up in some unhealthy area where he surrendered his holy soul as a good soldier of Jesus Christ from the sufferings.
The Holy Monastery of Megistis Lavra on Mount Athos stores the chariot of Saint Michael, which was granted to it with a gold bullion by kings Basil and Constantine.