Saint Gideon the Venerable Martyr was born in the village of Kapurna in the Diocese of Dimitriada. His parents, Avgirinos and Kiratsa, were pious Christians. Due to poverty, they entrusted him to the care of a cousin in Velestino. There, Nikon, as he was named at baptism, was abducted by the Turk Ali and, succumbing to temptation, renounced Christ. However, after two months, he repented and decided to escape. His father sent him to the Holy Mount Athos, where he sought a spiritual father and was eventually accepted into the Monastery of Karakall, where he was tonsured into monasticism with the name Gideon.
Gideon, leading a virtuous life, became an ecclesiarch and, wishing to suffer for Christ, went to Velestino. He confessed his faith, condemning Islam, and was repeatedly beaten and expelled from courts. Returning to Athos, he again found no peace and went back to Velestino, where he again confessed Christ and was subjected to cruel tortures.
The governor, learning of his boldness, ordered the prominent citizens to gather for a trial against Gideon. The saint, unafraid, continued to confess his faith. He was brutally tortured, and despite his sufferings, he remained steadfast. Ultimately, his body was severed, and he surrendered his soul to God on December 30, 1818.
The holy relics of Gideon were redeemed by Christians and buried with honor in the church of the Twelve Apostles in Turnovo. Later, part of the relics was transferred to the Monastery of Karakall, where the saint had labored. Many miracles occurred from his relics, and he prophesied the downfall of his tormentor, which came to pass after his death.
