Bishop
Saint Michael, bishop of Synada, dedicated himself to God from a very young age. He became a monk and strove in ascetic life together with Saint Theophilos, bishop of Nicomedia. The two were distinguished for their God-pleasing way of life and the power of their prayer, which was revealed miraculously when, during a long period of drought, they prayed and received enough water out of an empty bronze vessel.
Patriarch Tarasios, recognizing their great virtues, ordained Theophilos as metropolitan of Nicomedia and Michael as bishop of Synada. They both became exemplary priests and models of virtue for those who lived under their guidance.
After the patriarch’s death and the ascent of Nikephoros to the patriarchal throne, persecutions arose due to the iconoclast controversy and the political strategies of Emperor Leon. Saint Michael defended the Orthodox faith with great zeal, denouncing heresies and fighting for the veneration of the holy icons. As a result, he endured severe tortures and got exiled, yet he never renounced his faith.
The saint went through many trials until he reposed in the Lord, completing his righteous life and receiving the crown of holiness for his steadfast confession of faith.
