James of Kastoria and his disciples

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

Saint James was born in Kastoria in northern Greece and, after a period as a wealthy merchant, renounced the world and became a monk on Mount Athos. He later lived as an ascetic in Greece with his disciples, the deacon James and the monk Dionysios.

Tradition relates that in the sixteenth century they were denounced to the Ottoman authorities, imprisoned and tortured at Adrianople, and finally hanged for refusing to deny Christ.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, James of Kastoria and his disciples 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

• Helen of Sinope

  Holy Woman, Ελένη η Παρθενομάρτυς

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

• 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.

• Theodota, mother of Cosmas and Damian

  Holy Woman, Θεοδότη

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