The Venerable Saint Damianos was born in the village of Myrichovo in the Agrafa region of Greece. From an early age, he desired to embrace the ascetic life. He withdrew to Mount Athos, where he became a monk at the Monastery of Philotheou.
Later, seeking a life of great asceticism and solitude, he left the monastic community and settled near a hermit named Dometius. He remained with him for three years. Thereafter, having received a divine revelation, he began preaching the word of God in the region of Mount Olympus, calling Christians to repentance. He displayed great zeal and endured many humiliations. At one point, false accusations were spread against him among the local Christians, forcing him to leave the area and continue his ministry in the regions of Kissavos and Larissa. Following further persecutions, he returned to the area of Kissavos, where he founded a monastery and continued to serve God, performing miracles and providing spiritual guidance to the faithful.
On one occasion, he traveled to the village of Voulgarini, where he was arrested by the Hagarenes and brought before the local ruler. The ruler ordered that he be subjected to severe torture. Nevertheless, the saint remained steadfast in his faith. His execution was subsequently decreed.
He was hanged until the rope broke, leaving him half-dead. His executioners cast him into a fire, where he received the crown of martyrdom. The ashes of his body were thrown into the Pineios River.
Saint Damianos the Martyr surrendered his soul to the Lord on 23 February 1568.
