Saint Evmenios Saridakis

Every icon is crafted after your order and the preparation procedure takes about 4-20 business days.. Items will be shipped by registered mail. We shipping worldwide. Shipping time: 10-40 days. Custom fees, VAX, Tax or any delay with the country regulation would be the buyer responsibility.
 

St Evmenios was born Constantine Saridakis in the village of Ethia, Crete, in 1931 to poor parents. Despite being deprived of a elementary education due to WWII, the young boy stood out not only for his intelligence but also for his piety.

From a young age Constantine confessed his desire to become a monk. He entered the monastery of the Great Martyr Nikitas near his village where he was tonsured a monk here in 1951. He was later ordained a priest with the name Evmenios.

He then went to the Monastery of Koudouma in southern Crete. One night, while walking to his nearby village of Ethia, Fr Evmenios found himself being chased by many demons who were multiplying around him, trying to block his path. With great difficulty, he managed to reach the summit of a hill, and there he was embraced by the Panagia who freed him from the wicked demons.

In 1954, Fr Evmenios was recruited into the Greek army. While serving, he was struck by a terrible fever which was diagnosed as leprosy. Enduring his suffering without complaint, the sick monk was taken to the Athens leprosy hospital where fortunately he made a full recovery.

Fr Evmenios decided to remain in the leper colony and serve the patients - of which there was over 500. The hospital administration gave him a small hut near the hospital church, and here St Evmenios spent the rest of his days in ascetic labors, caring for the bed-ridden lepers, in church services, and visiting the homes of Athenians who sought his spiritual guidance.

In 1957, St Nikephoros the Leper, who was by then also blind and nearly paralyzed, was transferred to the Athens leprosy hospital where he formed a close bond with Fr Evmenios and became his spiritual father. One night, Fr Evmenios entered the cell of St Nikephoros, and saw him miraculously levitating in prayer above his bed.

The meek and humble St Evmenios, whose face would always glow with laughter and joy, was referred to by St Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia as “the hidden Saint of our days”. He reposed in Athens on this day in 1999, and was canonized a saint in 2022.