Synesius of Cyrene (373-414) lived “the good life.” He was born into a wealthy family who traced its lineage to the founding of Cyrene (a city in modern Libya). His one hundred fifty-six letters that survive written between 399-413AD provide historians with a rich description of life in his day. His letters cover a wide range of subjects such as hunting, dog-breeding, gardening and raising horses. One letter details his amusing speech, “In Praise of Baldness.”
Synesius was enamored with Neo-Platonist philosophy and evidenced little interest in Christianity in his early years. His marriage to a Christian marked a turning point. He became a catechumen (a Christian in training) and was subsequently baptized. The threat of invasion prompted his move to Ptolemais (modern Israel), eventuating in an invitation to become a church bishop there. He expressed considerable surprise and reluctance in a letter to his brother, “I did not consider my powers equal to the burden.” But his fondness for recreation also stood in his way, having to part with his “darling dogs as I am no longer allowed to hunt.” After six months of debate, he consented to the call and wrote in his acceptance letter,” I pray that He who has been the shepherd of my life may become the defender of His charge.”
Synesius became a conscientious bishop and defended the orthodox faith from fringe groups. He expressed sorrow in letters over the death of his three sons and his exile to escape invading armies. In his last hymn he commended himself to Christ that “his sins may be forgiven, and he may behold the glory of the Savior.” One of his prayers follows here: