Patriarch
Saint Callinicus was a priest and the keeper of the vessel of the Vlahernae temple in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. After the death of Patriarch Paul, he was elevated to the patriarchal throne during the reign of Emperor Justinian II, who oppressed Christians and disrespected the clergy. The emperor planned to destroy the temple to build a palace, but Saint Callinicus opposed this, stating that he had no prayer for the destruction of the temple. In response to his prayer, the temple collapsed, and Justinian was expelled from his kingdom.
Voivode Leontius, learning of the emperor's evil intentions, gathered his friends and armed men to prevent the slaughter of the citizens. They captured Justinian and proclaimed Leontius as king, who was crowned by the Most Holy Patriarch Callinicus. Leontius reigned for three years, after which he was expelled by Voivode Apsimar, who became Emperor Tiberius III.
Justinian, gathering an army, returned to Constantinople and, breaking his oath, began to take revenge on his enemies, including Saint Callinicus, to whom he gouged out the eyes and sent into captivity. Saint Callinicus was walled up, but after forty days remained alive and soon departed to the Lord. Pope John VI, receiving a vision, buried him with honor.
Justinian did not escape the righteous judgment of God and was killed by conspirators. Saint Callinicus was granted the martyr's crown in the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
