August 9/July 27 – memory of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimontranslated

The holy great martyr and healer Panteleimon was born in Bethany / Asia Minor / in the city of Nicomedia into the family of a noble pagan Eustorgius. Mother of St. Panteleimon raised the boy in the Christian faith, but ended her earthly life early. After her death, the father sent the young boy first to a pagan grammar school, and then taught him the art of medicine from the famous physician Euphrosynus in Nicomedia. Distinguished by his eloquence, good behavior and extraordinary beauty, young Panteleimon was introduced to Emperor Maximian, who wished to keep him at his court and subsequently make him a court physician.

At this time, three Christian priests lived secretly in Nicomedia: Ermolai, Ermil and Ermocrates. From the window of the secluded house of St. Ermolai repeatedly saw the handsome young man and shrewdly saw in him the chosen vessel of God's grace. One day Ermolai called Panteleimon to his refuge and, asking him about his parents, his faith and his whole life, began a conversation with him, during which he outlined to him the foundations of the Christian faith. “Believe me, good young man,” he said, “that there is one True and Almighty God - Jesus Christ, in whom if you believe, you will begin to heal...