Damian of Philotheou

Venerable Martyr Damian of Philotheou was a disciple of Saint Dometius (7 August). He was from the village of Richovon (Merichovon) near Agrapha. He went to Mount Athos when quite young and received the monastic tonsure at Philotheou Monastery. After some time there he withdrew to a hermitage under the guidance of an elder named Dometius.

After three years he heard a voice telling him to go forth and teach. He obeyed and preached in many parts of Greece, urging his fellow Christians to repent of their sins, abstain from vices, obey God's commandments and devote themselves to God-⁠pleasing works. On his way to a village he was arrested by the Turks and thrown into prison. After fifteen days of torture he was hanged and then thrown into a fire. He received the crown of martyrdom on 23 February 1568. He is commemorated on 23 February (new style; 8 March on the old calendar).