The Church today venerates the memory of Philothei, the Righteous Martyr of Athens.
St. Philothei was born in Ottoman-occupied Athens in 1522, to an illustrious and pious family. After becoming a widow at a very young age, Philothei took up monastic life and founded a convent, offering shelter to women enslaved and abused by the Muslim Ottomans during that period.
She was dragged out of her convent by soldiers and cruelly beaten. After a few days, she reposed. This came to pass in the year 1589.
St. Philothei was renowned for her charity and good works, and is considered one of a trio of patron saints of the ancient city of Athens.
A Divine Liturgy commemorating the memory of St. Philotei was held on Wednesday morning at the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral, where the Holy relics of the saints are preserved. Scores of faithful attended the service, while a procession of the Holy relics followed through the narrow streets of the Plaka quarter, beneath the north side of the Acropolis in central Athens.
Photos: George Ferdis
