Saint Euphemios, in the world Nikita, was born in 824 in the village of Opsos, near the city of Ankara, to pious parents Epiphanius and Anna. From a young age, he exhibited virtues, was obedient, and distanced himself from worldly amusements. After the death of his father, he helped his mother and sisters, and then married Euphrasia, with whom he had a daughter, Anastasia. However, having decided to dedicate himself to God, he left his family the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and went to Olympus to the venerable John the Great.
After undergoing a trial proposed by John, Nikita became a monk and received the name Euphemios. He studied under the elder John, then moved to the koinonia of Pissadion, where he demonstrated humility and obedience. Later, seeking solitude, he went to Mount Athos, where he joined the monk Joseph. Together they underwent strict asceticism, including a three-year seclusion in a cave.
After completing this trial, Euphemios returned to Olympus, then went again to Mount Athos, where he served the sick elder Theodoros. After his death, Euphemios ascended a pillar from which he taught the people and performed healings. However, seeking silence, he departed to an uninhabited island, where he was captured by Saracens but was miraculously freed.
Euphemios moved again to Mount Athos, but not finding peace there, he went to Thessalonica, where he restored the church of Saint Andrew the Apostle. He worked hard to establish a monastery and instructed the monks, warning them against temptations. Throughout his life, he was granted the gift of foresight and miracles, and many monks received the monastic tonsure from him.
Forty-two years after leaving his family, he tonsured his relatives into monasticism and built a women's monastery for them. Saint Euphemios, foreseeing his end, withdrew to the Holy Island, where he peacefully reposed on October 15, 889. His relics were transferred to Thessalonica, where they remain to this day.
