Mount Athos lithography (icon) of Saint Menas the Martyr on natural wood carved by hand.

Saint Menas was a military by profession and lived in the years of the emperors Diocletian and Maximian. He was in the Kotyia of Phrygia when he received imperial orders for the persecution and expulsion of Christians in the area. The saint, being a Christian, resigned from the ranks of the Roman army and took refuge on a mountain in the area where he lived eremitic life for a long time.

One day he was at a special feast where he spoke about Christ and confessed his faith. Commander Pyrros ordered his arrest and subjected him to horrific torture. Eventually, Minas was beheaded and his body buried in a temple near Alexandria of Egypt. The miracles of the Saint over the years have been innumerable. Saint Minas the miracle worker is the patron saint of Heraklion of Crete, Kastoria, Eleftheroupoli of Kavala and Salamina. His memory is celebrated every year on November 11.

Apolytikion of Saint Menas the Martyr

Fourth Tone

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