Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Sozon the Martyr in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Sozon lived in the 3rd century AD. and came from Lycaonia in Asia Minor. He lived in Cilicia and was a shepherd by profession. Before he became a Christian he was called Tarasios. Once, Sozon went to Pompeii in Cilicia and with sadness, he saw pagan statues everywhere. Full of rage, he entered the temple of Artemis and cut off the right hand from the golden statue. Then he went to bazaar to sell it and he shared the money to the poor of the area.

Sozon surrendered to the guards of the temple and was led to the ruler Maximian. Maximian tried to persuade the Saint to embrace the idols but Sozon remained steadfast in the Christian faith. The meek shepherd was horribly tortured and martyred in the fire. Fragments of the Holy Relic of the Saint are kept in the Monasteries of Stagiades in Kalampaka, Panagias Kremastis in Ilia and Kykkos in Cyprus. His memory is honored by the Orthodox Christian Church on September 7 of each year. Saint Sozon is the patron saint of Lemnos.

Apolytikion of Saint Sozon the Martyr

Fourth Tone

Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize of the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.