Saint
Constantine of Synnada
Venerable Constantine of Synnada
New Calendar December 26 Old Calendar January 8
Why they are a saint
His parents were Jews living at Synnada in Phrygia. One day when he was nine years old, he saw a Christian merchant make the sign of the Cross in the marketplace; and in imitation, without understanding its meaning, he began to make the sign. This became a habit with him, and he began to imitate other practices of the Christians around him, still without any understanding of the Christian faith.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Constantine of Synnada as a patron when they bear the name Constantine at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 26. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Constantine of Synnada, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.