Saint Pachomius was born in Ukraine to devout parents. In his youth he was captured by Tatars and sold to a Turkish tanner in Asia Minor. Despite the torture he endured, he never denied Christ and served obediently for twenty years. When he was finally freed, he fell seriously ill. The Turks then seized the opportunity to spread false rumors that he had renounced his faith. As soon as he recovered, he escaped to Mount Athos, where he became a disciple of Elder Joseph and Saint Akakios.
Tormented by the fear that he might have denied the Lord unintentionally, he desired to become a martyr for his faith. With the blessing of the elders, he returned to the city of Uşak, where he publicly confessed Christ and got beheaded. The Christians buried his holy relics with honor. Since then, many miracles have been performed through them.
Saint Pachomius became a martyr on 8 May 1730, the Feast of the Ascension. His relics are preserved on Patmos, in the Holy Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. His memory is commemorated on the 21st of May.
