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| St. Panagiotis of Caesarea (Feast Day - June 24) |
Verses
Panagiotis of Caesarea for the love
Of the Lord was killed, O happy ending!
Anointed with love, stout-hearted Panagiotis was beheaded.
We do not have any details about the life of Panagiotis, except that he was from Caesarea in Cappadocia, who refused to become a Muslim and abandon his Christian faith, and for this reason was beheaded in Constantinople on June 24, 1765 at the age of twenty (other sources say he was martyred in 1767).
His sacred relic was buried with Christian honors in the Church of the Life-Giving Spring in Constantinople. A portion today can be venerated in the Skete of Saint Panteleimon, which belongs to Koutloumouseiou Monastery in Mount Athos.
Apolytikion in the Third Tone
Divine offspring of Caesarea, showing yourself to be of like manner with the victorious martyrs, blessed Panagiotis; you proclaimed the name of the Savior, and shed your blood on His behalf. Glorious Martyr, intercede to Christ God, to grant us the great mercy.
Kontakion in Fourth Tone
A fellow contestant of the Martyrs you showed yourself to be in the contest, gloriously slain for Christ; wherefore, O Panagiotis, Christ crowned you with a crown of glory.
Megalynarion
Rejoice, imitator of the Martyrs, and the sacred ornament of Caesarea. Rejoice, Panagiotis, Christ's new armed soldier, the flower of piety, most-fragrant.