Athanasios of Koulakia

New Martyr Athanasios of Koulakia, martyred in Thessaloniki under the Ottomans.

St. Athanasios was born at Koulakia near Thessaloniki, the present Chalastra, in the eighteenth century. Tradition relates that, having in a dispute been drawn into words the Turks took as an acceptance of Islam, he refused absolutely to deny Christ and was condemned.

He was hanged in Thessaloniki in 1774 and is commemorated on September 8.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Athanasios of Koulakia is commemorated on September 8. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on September 21 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on September 8

• 

  Nativity of the Theotokos

  Great Feast, Γέννηση Θεοτόκου

  The Nativity of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

  Name days: Maria, Mary, Maro, Marika, Panagiota, Giota, Despina, Despoina

• Rufus and Rufianus

  Martyr, Ρούφος και Ρουφιανός

  Holy Martyrs Rufus and Rufianus, brothers beheaded for Christ.

• Severus and Artemidoros

  Martyr, Σεβήρος και Αρτεμίδωρος

  Holy Martyrs Severus and Artemidoros.

• Sophronios of Achtala

  Hierarch, Σωφρόνιος Αχταλείας

  St. Sophronios, bishop of Achtala in Georgia.