The Orthodox Church following the old calendar on August 9 celebrates the holy, glorious and right-victorious Greatmartyr Panteleimon. The Unmercenary Healer was martyred under the reign of Emperor Maximian.
Contacted by IPN, the bishop of Saint Dumitru Church Pavel Borshevschi said that Saint Panteleimon is the protector of doctors. He had been educated as a physician, and he dedicated his life to the suffering, the sick, the unfortunate and the needy.
He treated all those who turned to him without charge, healing them in the name of Jesus Christ. He visited those held captive in prison. These were usually Christians, and he healed them of their wounds
St. Panteleimon is invoked in the prayers at the blessing of water and the blessing of oil, together with St. Hermolaus and the other unmercenaries and wonder-workers. There is an Akathist hymn in his honor. On this feast, the people’s doctors collect healing herbs.
