Saint Panteleimon was born in Nicomedia to Eustorgius, who was a pagan, and Eubula, who was a Christian. After the death of his mother, the saint received excellent education, while he also studied the science of medicine. He was taught the principles of Christianity and got baptized by Saint Hermolaus. His father, following his example, also became a Christian.
Illumined by the Divine Grace, the saint healed everyone who came to him. He worked miracles and freed the faithful from every kind of illness.
The other physicians, unable to comprehend the power of prayer and his healing gifts, denounced him to the Emperor Maximian. The emperor attempted to force him to renounce Christ. The saint, refusing to yield to threats, healed a paralytic in his presence. For this act he was subjected to severe tortures, from which he emerged unharmed.
He was thrown to wild beasts, which, however, did not dare to touch him. Finally, the emperor ordered his beheading. After the execution, a white liquid like milk flowed from his body instead of blood, while an olive tree blossomed at the place where he had been bound. His body remained incorrupt and was buried with honor by the Christians.
The memory of the saint is celebrated on July 27. In Nicomedia, a procession of his holy icon takes place on that day. Many of people are still healed through the prayers of the saint.
His relics have been distributed throughout the Christian world, while many of them are preserved in Mount Athos. There is also kept the precious head of the saint.
