Saint Akakios, born with the secular name Athanasios, came from the village of Neochori in Macedonia. Due to extreme poverty, his family moved to the city of Serres, where he became an apprentice to a shoemaker who treated him harshly. On Holy Friday, after yet another beating, Athanasios wandered the streets in despair. There he met two Turkish women who persuaded him to renounce his Christian faith. He accepted Islam and was adopted by Yusuf-bey.
For nine years, Athanasios lived in wealth. However, when he rejected the sinful relationship that was forced upon him with the bey’s wife, he was expelled from the city. Returning to his parents filled with remorse, he decided to retreat to the Holy Mountain Athos. At the Monastery of Hilandar, he confessed and was received back into the Christian faith. Later, he moved to the Monastery of Iviron, where he learned about the martyrs Euphemia and Ignatius and was filled with the desire to give his life entirely for Christ.
Under the guidance of Hieromonk Nikifor, he underwent a long period of repentance and spiritual preparation. He was then tonsured a monk, receiving the name Akakios. Soon after, he went to Constantinople, dressed in Turkish clothing, and publicly confessed his faith in Jesus Christ before the authorities. He was arrested, tortured, and remained steadfast in his faith despite all threats.
Saint Akakios was beheaded on May 1, 1816. His holy relics were reverently kept by Christians and later transferred to the Holy Mountain, where they were buried with great honor.
The memory of Saint Akakios is celebrated on May 1, together with the memory of the Holy Martyrs Euphemia and Ignatius.
