The Byzantine Shrine on Beacon Hill

St. Syncletica

Saint Syncletica (Synklētikḗ) was a native of Alexandria, the daughter of wealthy parents. She was very beautiful, but from a young age she thought only about the things which are pleasing to God. Loving the purity of virginity, she refused to marry anyone, and spent all her time in fasting and prayer. 

After the death of her parents, Syncletica distributed her inheritance to the poor. She left the city with her younger sister, and lived in a crypt for the rest of her life. 

News of her ascetic deeds quickly spread throughout the region, and many devout women and girls came to live under her guidance. During the course of her ascetical life the Saint zealously instructed the sisters by word and by deed. 

In her eightieth year Saint Syncletica was stricken with an intense and grievous illness. She bore her ordeal with true Christian endurance, and the day of her death was revealed to her in a vision. After giving final instructions to her nuns, she surrendered her soul to God around the year 350.

Troparion — Tone 8

The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Mother; / for you took up your cross and followed Christ; / by so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away; / but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal. / Therefore, O Venerable Synklētikḗ, your spirit rejoices with the Angels.

Kontakion — Tone 3

(Podoben: “Today the Virgin…”)
O divine Synklētikḗ, our righteous God-bearing Mother, / you shone forth as an ever-luminous lamp of virtues, / laying bare the dark devices of the Enemy; / and your light guided a multitude of wise virgins to the heavenly Bridal Chambers; / together with them, pray that we may be shown mercy.