Helen of Sinope

Virgin Martyr Helen of Sinope, a young Christian who suffered for her faith under Ottoman rule.

Saint Helen was a young woman of Sinope on the Black Sea coast of Asia Minor. Tradition relates that a local Ottoman official, struck by her beauty, tried to force her to renounce Christ and marry him; she refused steadfastly.

She was imprisoned and tortured, and finally put to death for her faith. Her relics were honoured by the Greek Christians of Sinope and later carried to Greece by refugees, where her veneration continues.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Helen of Sinope is commemorated on November 1. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on November 14 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on November 1

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  Kosmas and Damian (Asian)

  Saint, Κοσμάς και Δαμιανός

  Holy Unmercenary Physicians Cosmas and Damian of Asia.

  Name days: Kosmas, Cosmas, Damianos, Damian, Argyris, Argiris, Anargyros, Argyro, Argiro, Anargyri, Damiani

• David of Euboea

  Venerable, Δαβίδ ο εν Ευβοία

  Venerable David the Elder, ascetic and founder of the monastery that bears his name in northern Euboea.

  Name days: David, Davidis, Dave, Davit

• Kyriaina and Juliana

  Holy Woman, Κυριαίνα και Ιουλιανή

  Holy Martyrs Kyriaina and Juliana, who suffered together in Cilicia.

• Caesarius, Dasius and companions

  Martyr, Καισάριος και Δάσιος

  Holy Martyrs Caesarius, Dasius, Sabbas, Sabinianus, Agrippa, Adrian and Thomas, who suffered at Damascus.

• James of Kastoria and his disciples

  Martyr, Ιάκωβος ο Νέος Οσιομάρτυς

  Holy New Monk-Martyr James of Kastoria with his disciples James the Deacon and Dionysios the Monk.

• Theodota, mother of Cosmas and Damian

  Holy Woman, Θεοδότη

  Righteous Theodota, the pious mother of the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian.