Saint Gerasimos was born in 1787 near Karpenisi in the region of Evrytania. In his youth he went to Constantinople, where after an accident he was taken into a noble Turkish household and forced to undergo circumcision. Years later he repented of his denial, returned to his homeland, and lived a life of prayer and repentance.
Seeking the monastic path, Gerasimos fled to Mount Athos and entered the Panteleimon skete. Despite his pleas, the elders did not bless him for martyrdom. He then returned to Constantinople, determined to suffer for Christ.
Coming back to the house where he had once been forced into apostasy, he openly confessed his faith. He was imprisoned and tortured, yet remained joyful and steadfast.
On July 3, 1812, Saint Gerasimos was beheaded near the Church of Hagia Sophia. Tradition says his face shone with a smile, and his body stayed kneeling for a time before gently falling to the ground.
