Blessed Damaskin, born in Galatia to pious parents, became an orphan in his youth and, renouncing the Christian faith, fell into immorality. Later, realizing the weight of his sin, he withdrew to Mount Athos, where he spent twelve years in repentance and asceticism, taking the holy schema with the name Damaskin.
Desiring to suffer for Christ, he went to Constantinople, removing his monastic garment so as not to bring wrath upon his brethren. In the mosques, he loudly preached about Christ, reproaching the Muslims for their delusion. After numerous attempts, he was captured and brought before the vizier, where he, not renouncing his faith, was sentenced to death.
Damaskin was beheaded in 1681, on November 13, and his holy relics were buried with honors on the island of Chalcis. By the prayers of the holy martyr Damaskin, may the Savior grant us all the Kingdom of His. Amen.
