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

Saint Sampson was born in Rome and was a physician by profession. He came from a rich family, as a result of which he received a great education. He did not see medicine as a profession but as a means of offering to his fellow man. When his parents died, he went to Istanbul where he was ordained a priest and founded a charity with his own money.

Sampson gained a great reputation as a doctor, so the emperor Justinian called him to cure him of a serious illness, as he did. To please him, Justinian built a hospital named after Samson to which the sick and the poor sought refuge. The Saint died peacefully in old age, having performed a great work. His memory is commemorated on June 27 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Sampson the Hospitable

Plagal of the Fourth Tone

In thy patience thou hast won thy reward, O righteous Father. Thou didst persevere unceasingly in prayer; thou didst love the poor, and didst provide for them in all things. Wherefore, intercede with Christ our God, O blessed and godly-minded Samson, that our souls be saved.