Raphael of Lesvos

Holy Hieromartyr Raphael of Lesvos was archimandrite of a monastery at Karyes, near the village of Thermi, on the island of Lesvos, and was killed by the Turks in April 1463, together with the deacon Nicholas and Irene, the twelve-⁠year-⁠old daughter of the local mayor. They are venerated as saints and new martyrs by the Orthodox Church.

Their story came to light in 1959, when villagers reported seeing them in dreams and in miraculous visions, in which the saints revealed their history. The supposed site of their martyrdom was excavated and human remains believed to be those of the saints were found. The relics are kept today in the monastery rebuilt on the site, on a hill called Karyes in the north-⁠east of the island, twelve kilometres from Mytilene and three from Thermi. They were canonized in 1970, and the monastery has become a prominent place of pilgrimage. They are commemorated on the Tuesday of Bright Week.