The Orthodox Christians who follow the old Julian calendar on August 9 celebrate Great Martyr Saint Panteleimon whose name is invoked during the Mystery of Holy Unction, during the Blessing of the Waters, and in prayers for the sick. He is regarded as one the Holy Unmercenary Healers.
Contacted by IPN, priest Eugen Onicov, of the Chisinau Church “Saint Panteleimon”, said that the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon was born in Asia Minor, in the city of Nicomedia, of wealthy and noble parents. His father was a devoted pagan, while his mother was a Christian. His initial upbringing he received from his mother, who instructed her son in the true faith and Christian piety. Once, as Panteleimon was on his way to medical school, he found a dead child on the road, who had been bitten by a poisonous snake. He prayed to God and the child arouse. Then Panteleimon came to believe in Christ absolutely and, giving thanks to God, immediately went to Ermolas to be baptized.
In the Orthodox Church, Great Martyr St. Panteleimon is revered as an awesome and powerful saint, patron of soldiers. His original name, Pantoleon, which means “in all ways like unto a lion”, explains that aspect of his veneration. His name at Baptism, Panteleimon, i.e. “all merciful,” refers to his veneration as a healer.
