January 5

St. Apollinaris Syncletica

Saint Apollinaris Syncletica

When They Lived:

St. Apollinaris Syncletica, also known simply as St. Syncletica, lived during the late 3rd century to the early 4th century. She was born around 270 AD and passed away around 350 AD.

Where They Lived:

St. Apollinaris Syncletica resided in Alexandria, Egypt, a vibrant center of culture, learning, and spirituality during her time. Alexandria was renowned for its diverse population and its prominent role in early Christian thought.

Notable World Events During the Time of Their Life:

Diocletian’s Persecution (303-311 AD): St. Syncletica’s life coincided with the fierce persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. This era marked a significant challenge for early Christians, leading to numerous acts of martyrdom and a steadfast commitment to their faith.
Edict of Milan (313 AD): The Edict of Milan, issued by Emperor Constantine and co-emperor Licinius, brought an end to the widespread persecution of Christians. This decree granted religious tolerance and freedom to all religions, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity.
Council of Nicaea (325 AD): The Council of Nicaea, a crucial event in the development of Christian theology, addressed the Arian heresy and formulated the Nicene Creed, which laid down fundamental beliefs about the nature of Christ and the Holy Trinity.
Ptolemaic School in Alexandria: During St. Syncletica’s lifetime, the Ptolemaic School of Alexandria continued to be a hub of scholarly activity, contributing to advances in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.
Rise of Monasticism: St. Syncletica played a significant role in the ascetic movement and the rise of monasticism. Her teachings and practices inspired many, contributing to the development of Christian monastic traditions.
Founding of Constantinople (330 AD): Emperor Constantine founded the city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as the new capital of the Roman Empire. This event marked a shift in political power and had far-reaching implications for the Christian Church.
Coptic Christianity in Egypt: St. Syncletica’s life intersected with the growing influence of Coptic Christianity in Egypt, as the region became a stronghold for early Christian thought and spirituality.

Their Patronage:

St. Apollinaris Syncletica is revered as the patron saint of ascetics, nuns, and those who lead a contemplative life. Her dedication to a life of solitude, prayer, and self-discipline serves as an inspiration for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their spirituality in the midst of worldly distractions.

Intriguing Aspects of Their Life:

St. Syncletica’s journey from a life of privilege to one of profound simplicity and devotion highlights her strong character and commitment to her faith. Her sayings and teachings, collected in collections known as “Sayings of the Desert Fathers,” offer valuable insights into early Christian spirituality, emphasizing the importance of inner transformation and detachment from material desires.

Life and Devotion

Saint Apollinaris Syncletica lived so long ago that it is impossible to know for sure how she lived. No data is available detailing what she did throughout her life.

What little is known about Saint Apollinaris is thought to have been gleaned from tales, traditions, and even a mixture of earlier saints that might have shared her name.

She might be a mystery that is still being discovered; however, she is a respected member of the Roman Catholic Church.

There are books written by contemporary biographers that might have traced Apollinaris back to her roots. Most of what is known is speculation or exaggeration.

Saint Apollinaris was said to have been born in Constantinople. It is not said exactly where in Constantinople she might have been born or when.

According to tradition, at a young age, Apollinaris was to be given out in marriage by her parents. She continued to refuse every suitor that was brought to her by her desperate parents.

Eventually, she was able to convince her parents to leave her unmarried.

The truth was that Saint Apollinaris had taken a liking to the idea of seclusion and asceticism. She was deeply in love with God and wished to retire in privacy to serve him properly.

After much convincing, her parents allowed her to make a pilgrimage to the holy city of Jerusalem. The child of distinguished parents, she was naturally followed by slaves who were to tend to her aid and every whim.

Legacy

On arrival in Jerusalem, Saint Apollinaris was said to have set all her slaves free, with the exception of two who had agreed to stay willingly. She was said to have bought or bribed a habit.

On her way back home after her pilgrimage, Saint Apollinaris was said to have donned the habit. She fittingly escaped her slaves and went into hiding in the desert.

The casting away of her former clothes was said to have been symbolic of the throwing away of the worldly things that she grew up with.

Saint Apollinaris’ slaves and parents looked all over the city for her. Seeing that she couldn’t be found, her parents gave up and assumed she had sought refuge in a monastery.

Apollinaris was said to have left her hiding place and gone to Wadi El-Natrun in the Nitrian desert. There, she found a reclusive community of monks.

Finding their lifestyle impressive, Saint Apollinaris was said to have joined the men in living in caves. The problem, however, was that she was not a man.

To solve this, Saint Apollinarius adopted the name Dorotheus and swapped her feminine habit for masculine clothes.

Macarius had taken a liking to the young Apollinaris, whom he assumed was a man. She was immediately accepted into the monastery.

At home, Saint Apollinaris’ parents had other problems. Their second daughter had suddenly become possessed by a demon. To save the girl, Apollinaris’ parents sent her to be exorcised.

Macarius was said to have suddenly been motivated and knew the right person to cast out the demons were

Dorotheus. Saint Apollinaris, who was falsely known as Dorotheus, agreed and prayed over her sister.

The demons were cast out successfully, and the girl was sent back home. Soon after, she fell sick.

Assuming that she was pregnant, the young girl accused Dorotheus of defiling her.

Angry, the parents ordered poor Dorotheus to be brought to them. It was then that Saint Apollinaris rid herself of the male habit and presented herself as she was, to the shock of everyone involved.

Needless to say, her parents were glad to have her back. Apollinaris however returned to her secluded home a few days later.