Venerable Martyr Damascene 11/26/2013
He came from the Galata district of Constantinople and was called Diamondi. In his youth he led an immoral life and embraced Islam. Then he came to his senses, and made his mind to repent on the Holy Mountain of Athos. He lived in strict ascesis for twelve years at the Great Lavra of Saint Athanasius. But ardently desiring martyrdom for forgiveness of his sins, he went to Constantinople and started visiting mosques, making the sign of the Cross there and shouting that Jesus Christ is the only God. He was beheaded in front of the gate Fanara on 13 November 1681. His holy relics rest at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity on the island of Halki.