Biography
Zosimus of Syracuse
About Zosimus of Syracuse
Zosimus entered the monastery of Saint Lucy near Syracuse as a child. A fuller church retelling describes homesickness that led him to return to his parents, who sent him back. He was entrusted with watching over Lucy’s shrine and showing it to visitors. A vision of Lucy and the Mother of God is said to have renewed his resolve to remain.
When the brethren went to consult the bishop about a new abbot, they left Zosimus behind to guard the monastery. The account says the bishop chose precisely that absent, humble guardian to lead them. Zosimus later became bishop of Syracuse. His ministry is remembered for charity and teaching, and for patient endurance of his final illness. The OCA notice dates his death to 662; other church retellings give 660, so an exact year remains uncertain.
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