Leonidas

Saint Leonidas of Troezen, venerated as a monk or priest of the city of Troezen, was probably born in the second half of the second century and suffered martyrdom between 240 and 258. He is commemorated on 16 April, together with seven women companions, whose names differ by source: Charissa, Nike, Galina, Kallida, Nounechia, Basilissa and Theodora (in other lists: Charisio, Lota, Galla, Callisto, Christiana, Calis and Tertia).

Leonidas worked in the diocese of Troezen, which lay between Damala to the south, Ano Fanari to the west and Nea Epidavros to the north. In 250, while celebrating Pascha, he and the seven companions were arrested by the proconsul Venustus and taken to Corinth. Because he would not renounce Christianity, he was hanged and tormented with a sharp knife; unable to die, he was thrown into the sea with the seven, to drown. Leonidas said that he would now receive a second baptism. Instead of sinking, they walked on the water as on dry land. Heavy stones were then tied around their necks, they were taken in a boat out to sea and thrown into the water. After some days their bodies were found at Lechaion.

Recent excavations found, at a depth of 70 cm, the bones of seven women and a sarcophagus with the bones of a man. These were presumed to be those of Leonidas and his companions; they were brought into the church of Evangelistria, where they remain today. Each year on 16 April, in a solemn procession, the relics are carried to the church of Saint Leonidas, 500 m to the east, beside the road to Corinth.