Born in Nicomedia
Agios Panteleimon was born in the late third century in Nicomedia, a city in Asia Minor, to a pagan father named Eustorgius and a Christian mother named Eubula. His mother died while he was still young, and he was raised and educated under his father's care.
He was originally named Pantoleon, and showed an early gift for learning. His father, recognising his ability, arranged for him to be trained in medicine, then considered one of the most respected professions, under a physician in the imperial court of Emperor Maximian.
A Healing That Changed His Life
As a young physician, Pantoleon encountered an elder named Hermolaus, a priest who had survived the persecution of Christians under Diocletian. Hermolaus spoke to him of Christ, the true physician of souls and bodies, and Pantoleon began to consider the Christian faith.
According to tradition, his conversion was confirmed when he came upon a dead child who had been bitten by a venomous snake. He prayed in the name of Jesus Christ, and the child was restored to life while the snake itself died. Convinced by this sign, Pantoleon was baptised by Hermolaus and took the name Panteleimon, meaning "all-merciful" or "all-compassionate".
The Unmercenary Physician
From that point on, Panteleimon devoted his medical skill entirely to the service of others, refusing to accept payment from those he treated. He visited the sick in their homes, in prisons, and in public places, healing them in the name of Christ rather than relying on his medical training alone.
His reputation as a healer who asked nothing in return, even from the poorest, spread quickly through Nicomedia. He converted many to the Christian faith simply through the example of his charity and the miracles attributed to his prayers, and is remembered in the Orthodox Church as one of the Holy Unmercenary Physicians.
Faithful Under Trial
When Panteleimon's growing following came to the attention of Emperor Maximian, he was reported to the authorities as a Christian. Brought before the Emperor, he was offered the chance to save his life by renouncing his faith and offering sacrifice to the pagan gods. He refused.
According to tradition, he was subjected to a series of tortures, none of which succeeded in killing him, and each of which strengthened the faith of those who witnessed it. He was eventually beheaded under a wild olive tree outside Nicomedia, around the year 305. It is said the tree burst into blossom and bore fruit at the moment of his death, and that the spot became a place of healing for those who visited it afterward.
Venerated to This Day
Agios Panteleimon is venerated throughout the Orthodox Church as the Great Martyr and Unmercenary Healer, and is one of the most widely invoked saints for those seeking healing, whether for themselves or for loved ones who are unwell. His relics are kept and venerated in monasteries and churches around the world, including at the Russian monastery of Agios Panteleimon on Mount Athos.
His feast day, 27 July, is celebrated by Orthodox parishes everywhere, and is the high point of our own parish year here in Goulburn, where our community gathers each year in his honour.
