On July 9th in 1771, the young St. Michael Paknanas was beheaded by the Turks for not converting to Islam, at the current site of the Temple of Zeus in Athens. It was here where he was also buried.
Today marked the third year in a row where Fr. Maximos Kappas, parish priest of the Holy Church of Saint Photini in Ilissou, together with about 50 believers, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the site of St. Michael's martyrdom.
In his sermon, Fr. Maximos recalled the life of St. Michael, and expressed his hopes that his grave will be opened and that a translation of his holy relics take place.
