Saint Panteleon

Biography

Saint Panteleon, also known as Panteleimon, Pantaleon, and Pantaleone, was born to a Christian mother and a pagan father. Despite this divided religious upbringing, Panteleon chose to embrace Christianity as his faith. He grew up to become a renowned physician and was appointed as the personal physician to Emperor Maximian. Throughout his life, Panteleon remained a devout layman and bachelor, dedicating himself to serving others and upholding his Christian beliefs. However, there came a point in his life when he wavered in his faith and fell into the company of a worldly and idolatrous crowd. Consumed by remorse and grief, he sought guidance from the priest Hermolaus, who helped Panteleon find his way back to the Church. Panteleon's spiritual reawakening became a catalyst for significant transformations in his life. He was able to bring his father to embrace the Christian faith, thereby leading him to salvation. Moreover, Panteleon selflessly distributed his considerable fortune among the poor and destitute, providing medical treatment to those in need without ever accepting payment. It was said that his prayers and intercessions often brought about miraculous cures. During the height of the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian, Panteleon faced persecution and hostility from anti-Christian authorities. Some jealous fellow physicians, motivated by their own envy and allegiance to paganism, denounced Panteleon to the authorities. In response, Panteleon proposed a contest, challenging the pagan priests to cure an incurable patient through their prayers, while he relied on the power of Christian faith. When the pagans failed, Panteleon invoked the name of Jesus and miraculously healed the paralyzed patient. Witnessing this extraordinary event, many of the spectators converting to Christianity. Despite attempts to sway Panteleon from his steadfast faith, the authorities attempted to bribe him and later resorted to threats and torture. However, Panteleon remained resolute and refused to renounce his Christian beliefs. Ultimately, he succumbed to martyrdom, being martyred by being nailed to a tree and then beheaded around 305 AD. Saint Panteleon is venerated as a martyr and is considered one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. There are differing feast days attributed to him, with 27 July, 28 July, 18 February, and 19 February recognized in various calendars. His blood is said to have a miraculous property, as a phial of it preserved in Constantinople reportedly becomes liquid and bubbles on his feast day. Some relics associated with Saint Panteleon are enshrined at the church of Saint Denis in Paris, France, as well as in Lyons, France. Saint Panteleon is revered as the patron saint against consumption or tuberculosis, as well as being the patron of bachelors, doctors, midwives, nurses, physicians, and torture victims. He is particularly venerated in the Vallo della Lucania, Italy, where his intercession is sought, and he is recognized as the patron saint of the diocese. Saint Panteleon's life and unwavering faith continue to serve as an inspiration for Christians around the world.