Reflection on the commemoration of Holy Great Martyr and Unmercenary Healer Panteleimon

St. Panteleimon is a saint for all seasons: a martyr, a healer, a patron of Orthodox soldiers and sailors, an ally in spiritual warfare. And this befits his name, which means “all-merciful”: St. Panteleimon makes the mercy of God manifest to us in the many facets of our lives. He should be our regular intercessor in pain, passing sickness, chronic illness, and medical emergencies. We should also call upon him to help us in our spiritual battles and to treat the wounds of our hearts, minds, and souls. His miracles of healing have been abundant over the centuries, down to the present day; doubtless even more numerous are the spiritual cures that he has wrought for sin-afflicted souls. Holy great martyr and unmercenary healer Panteleimon, pray to God for us!