The life of the Cypriot saint celebrated by Orthodox Christians on May 14 is almost unknown, yet his miraculous deeds far exceed the existing biographical records. Many of those who prayed with faith before his relics received healing from God for paralysis, cancer, bleeding, blindness, tuberculosis, and more.

Saint Therapon is known as a great healer and miracle worker, especially in Greek-speaking Churches. His name, etymologically, signifies serving or treating medically, from which the word “therapy” is derived.

Among the few details about Saint Therapon’s life, it is mentioned that he served as a bishop on the island of Cyprus in the 3rd-4th centuries.

He is said to have suffered martyrdom during the reign of Emperor Valerian, around the year 259. Because he refused to renounce his faith in Christ, pagan leaders subjected him to torture, binding his body between four pillars.

Miracles began even during his martyrdom. According to the synaxaria, the four pillars to which he was tied turned green and healed some suffering Christians present.

His relics remained in Cyprus for a period, and in 806, they were moved to Constantinople due to the invasion of migrating peoples. During this journey, his holy body exuded myrrh, again healing those in need. The same miracle was repeated when his relics were moved to a church built in his honour in Constantinople.

Miracles

Testimonies from Greeks and others demonstrate the intercessory power of Saint Therapon for those in various sufferings. One known case is that of Florin, an Italian by birth, who was tormented by unclean spirits and was delivered after praying at the relics of the Hieromartyr Therapon. The man recounted seeing a thin, pleasantly scented smoke emanating from the martyr’s reliquary.

Another man, named Anastasios, a citizen of Bithynia, had a withered hand for many years. Upon going to the church of Saint Therapon, where his relics were kept, he was healed while the Vespers of the Baptism of the Lord was being sung.

Additionally, a soldier named George had a twisted face and a blind eye. Praying at the martyr’s tomb, he was freed from these deformities.

A paralytic, Theodore, was brought to the martyr’s church. The saint appeared to him in a dream, offering him bread and wine. Upon taking them, he immediately woke up healed.

A young girl whose legs were fused from birth was also brought to the relics of Saint Therapon. Her parents, praying with tears at the saint’s relics, saw their daughter’s legs straighten immediately.

Saint Therapon is the spiritual protector of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Physiotherapists. In the Limassol district of Cyprus, there is a village named after Saint Therapon (Άγιος Θεράπων).

Read more: 10 holy healers celebrated in May

Troparion, tone 4:

By sharing in the ways of the Apostles, you became a successor to their throne. Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God; by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith, even to the shedding of your blood. Hieromartyr Therapon, entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Photo: diakonima.gr