Saint Martyr Konon of Isauria was born in Bithynia, where the inhabitants accepted the Christian faith from the Apostle Paul. From his youth, he had a special protection from Archangel Michael.
At the insistence of his parents, he was betrothed to a girl named Anna, whom he persuaded to remain a virgin. The young spouses lived like brother and sister, dedicating themselves to God. Saint Konon led his parents to the Christian faith, and his father, Saint Nestor, accepted a martyr's end.
After the death of his mother and wife, the saint continued to serve God, dedicating himself to monastic labors, fasting, and prayer. In old age, he was glorified with the gift of wonderworking, through which many pagans turned to Christ.
When persecutions against Christians began in Isauria, Saint Konon was the first to suffer, enduring cruel tortures for refusing to offer sacrifice to idols. The inhabitants of Isauria, learning of his sufferings, came to defend the martyr, and the torturers, fearing the people's wrath, fled. Saint Konon regretted that he was not deemed worthy to accept a martyr's end for the Lord.
After two years, Saint Konon peacefully passed away and was buried next to his parents and wife.
