St Panteleimon Icon

Born in what is presently Turkey in the third century at a time of great persecution of the Christians, while studying medicine the young Pantaleon became interested in the Christian faith.ÿ One day he encountered a child lying in the street dying from the bite of a great snake, which still lay next to her body. Panteleon prayed to Jesus Christ that this child would be saved from death, and vowed to follow Christ and receive baptism if his prayer was answered. The child rose up alive and the snake died, so Panteleon was baptized and given the name Panteleimon, meaning "all-merciful."
He dedicated his life to the suffering, sick, and needy, treating all without charge, healing them in the name of Jesus Christ. When pagan doctors complained to the Emperor about his ministry, he was put to the torture and eventually beheaded. He is venerated as the patron saint of healing in the Orthodox Church.

8" x 10"