Myron of Crete

Holy New Martyr Myron of Crete was born in Candia, present-⁠day Heraklion, to devout parents; his father was named Demetrius, a just and virtuous man. He was modest and pure in mind, loved virginity and ascetic struggle, and worked as a tailor in Heraklion.

Turks who envied him slandered him, saying he had seduced a Turkish girl. At the trial Myron rejected the accusation, but he was given the choice between denying his faith and death. He answered boldly that he would not deny his faith, that he had been born a Christian and wished to die a Christian, and that he was ready to bear any torment for love of Christ. They beat him mercilessly and threw him into prison. Brought again before the judge, he persisted in the same confession and was condemned to death by hanging.

Before the end he asked the executioners' leave to go to his father, fell at his feet and kissed his hand, receiving his blessing. Then he received the crown of martyrdom, in the year 1793. He is commemorated on 20 March.