Mount Athos gold foil printed icon of Saint Panteleimon the Great Martyr on Hagiography wood.

Dimensions: 26x21cm.

Saint Panteleimon the Great Martyr and Healer was born at the end of the 3rd century AD. in Nicomedia by a pagan father and a Christian mother. His mother, Eubula, died when Panteleimon was still very young and his father Eustorgius take over his upbringing. Eustorgius sent Panteleimon to study with the well-known doctor Euphrosinos to teach him the science of medicine. Panteleimon soon acquired a great education and was distinguished for his character and his intelligence.

At the same time, the Saint had developed a close spiritual relationship with the elder priest Ermolaos whom he visited on a daily basis. One day Panteleimon resurrected, with the help of Christ, a child who had died from a viper bite. This fact was the occasion for his baptism as a Christian by the elder Ermolaos. Since then, he helped the poor in every way and healed the sick without receiving any money. His action annoyed the other doctors of the city, as a result of which they betrayed him to the emperor Maximian.

Panteleimon, in front of the great persecutor of Christians Maximian, confessed his Christian faith. The emperor became angry and ordered that he be tortured cruelly and ruthlessly. Eventually, the Saint martyred by beheading and surrendered his soul to the Lord. The Orthodox Christian Church celebrates his memory on July 27 of each year. Saint Panteleimon is the patron saint of Florina, Kato Nevrokopi, Paranesti, Drama and Tilos.

Apolytikion of Saint Panteleimon the Great Martyr

Third Tone

Panteleimon, saintly champion and healer, intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls remission of sins.