Saint Plato

Biography

Saint Plato, also known as Platon or Platone, was born in around 734 to wealthy parents. However, tragedy struck his life at an early age when both his parents died of a disease before he reached the age of 13. Plato was then taken in and raised by his uncle, who worked as a treasurer. Under his uncle's guidance, Plato excelled in his studies and quickly became responsible for much of his uncle's business affairs. Plato, despite his privileged background, had always been a pious individual from his youth. As he grew older, his devotion to his faith became even stronger. At the age of 24, Plato made a life-altering decision to turn away from the worldly life of the royal court. He freed his slaves, sold his estates, and generously distributed the proceeds to his sisters and the poor. Plato then sought spiritual fulfillment and moved to the monastery at Symbolean on Mount Olympus. Although he never took holy orders, Plato dedicated his days to prayer, menial labor, and copying holy books. His zealousness and dedication did not go unnoticed, and in 770, he was appointed as the abbot of the monastery. Plato's ascetic practices were exemplary, as he subjected himself to severe fasts and personal deprivation. In 775, Plato embarked on a journey to Constantinople for business purposes. During his stay, his presence and teachings inspired numerous citizens from various social backgrounds to lead better and more pious lives. The patriarch Paul recognized Plato's spiritual prowess and attempted to make him the bishop of Nicomedia. However, Plato humbly chose to retreat to his monastery instead. In 782, Plato's sister Theoctista and her entire family embraced religious life. They established a monastery near Constantinople called Saccudion and convinced Plato to become its spiritual director. Plato wholeheartedly accepted this responsibility and held the position until 794 when he entrusted the monastery to his nephew, Saint Theodorus. During this time, a significant event unfolded in the empire. The emperor Constantine repudiated his empress, Mary, and married Theodota, who happened to be a relative of Plato. In response, Plato and Theodorus issued a sentence of excommunication against the emperor. Certain individuals, including Joseph, the church treasurer, attempted to persuade Plato to approve the emperor's divorce, but he staunchly refused. Plato fearlessly scolded Constantine to his face and was subsequently imprisoned until the emperor's death in 797. In the face of Saracen invasions, the monks of Saccudion abandoned their settlement and relocated to Studius. Plato expressed his submission and loyalty to his nephew, Theodorus, and chose to live as a recluse in a narrow cell. He dedicated his life to perpetual prayer and manual labor, adopting the practice of securing one of his feet with a heavy iron chain, concealed beneath his cloak when receiving visitors. In 807, Joseph, the priest who had conducted Constantine and Theodota's wedding, was reinstated as church treasurer by the emperor Nicephorus. Plato considered this act scandalous and openly condemned it. As a result, he was subjected to a year-long period of being guarded by insolent soldiers and false monks. Eventually, Plato was unjustly condemned by a council of court bishops and subsequently banished to the isles of Bosphorus, where he was moved from place to place for four years. However, in 811, Michael I ascended the throne and ordered Plato's release. Plato returned to his cell and resumed his life of prayer and ascetic practices. It was during this time that Plato realized that his earthly journey was reaching its end. In preparation for his passing, he directed his grave to be dug and had himself carried to it. Resting in his grave, he spent his last days immersed in prayer and welcomed guests, even including his former adversary, the priest Joseph, who sought Plato's prayers. Saint Plato passed away on March 19, 813, of natural causes. His funeral obsequies were performed by Saint Nicephorus. Although not officially recognized as a patron saint, Saint Plato's life serves as an inspiring testament to unwavering faith, selflessness, and dedication to prayer and the service of others.