Saint Cosmas of Chalcedon

Saint Cosmas, Bishop of Chalcedon, is a Christian saint who served as the Bishop of Chalcedon from 815 to 820 and participated in the struggle for the veneration of icons against the heresy of iconoclasm. Saint Cosmas and his companion, Saint Auxentius, lived during the 9th century in Constantinople, a time when iconoclasts persecuted Orthodox Christians. In his youth, Cosmas entered a monastery and received the monastic tonsure. Later, he was consecrated Bishop of Chalcedon and zealously defended the Orthodox faith against the iconoclast heretics, with Saint Auxentius assisting him in this struggle. The iconoclasts attempted in many ways to win the saint over to their side, but he remained faithful to Orthodoxy until the very end. Saint Cosmas refused to obey the decree of Emperor Leo the Armenian (813–820) ordering the removal of holy icons from churches. Consequently, he was expelled from his diocese and cast into prison. Upon his return from exile, he and Saint Auxentius continued to defend the veneration of holy icons. After the persecutions ended, Saint Cosmas was physically weak but remained strong in spirit. Both Saint Cosmas and Saint Auxentius steadfastly preserved the Orthodox faith until the end of their lives. The Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Cosmas on April 18, together with Saint Auxentius.