Holy Confessor Emilian, Bishop of Kyzikos
The Holy Confessor Emilian (Amilianos), the Bishop of Kyzikos, succeeded Bishop Nicholas, and remained in his See from 787 - 815. Saint Emilian suffered many afflictions and sorrows during the reign of the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Armenian (813-820). He and other bishops were summoned to the Emperor's tribunal, and Leo ordered the bishops to refrain from teaching their flocks to venerate the Holy Icons. Saint Emilian told the Emperor that the question of venerating icons ought to be discussed and decided only within the Church, by its spiritual leaders, and not at the imperial court. During this time he continued to strengthen his flock by his own example and his unwavering confession of the true Faith.
In the year 815 the Hierarch was banished for five years, enduring much pain and humiliation for the sake of Christ. Saint Emilian went to the Lord in the year 820, and received an unfading crown of glory for his defense of the Holy Icons.