Great Martyr Panteleimon – Feast day July 27 

Panteleimon’s Christian mother passed away when he was just a child.  His pagan father sent him to study the medical sciences.  He became such a skilled physician that he was invited to become the doctor to the royals in Nicomedia.  His curiosity for Truth, Goodness and Beauty was not satiated by his studies though and he was led to meet and hear the wisdom of the monastics.  After raising a snake-bitten boy from the dead through the intercession of Christ, he was baptized.  He lived his live using both his human skills as a physician and his access to the miraculous as a Christian to heal all who came to him without cost.  His faith, and the jealousy of the other physicians in the region caused the emperor to torture and finally kill him.  His relics continue to heal many who approach them in faith.  He is the patron of soldiers and healers.   

Vocations Reflection

“According to your faith let it be done to you!” Jesus met the blind men who cried to him for mercy, and he brought them healing. The Church continues this ministry of healing. Are you being called to take part in this ministry in a special way? Discerning a life of healing in monasticism or holy orders could be your calling. To learn more, contact the Vocations Office at 206-329-9219 or email: vocations@ephx.org