Life and Martyrdom of Saint Christopher

Saint Christopher, was martyred for his faith in the years of the Roman emperor Decius in 251 AD. According to tradition, he came from a barbarian tribe and was called Reprovos. He was tall, strong and very ugly looking.

During a war of his tribe with the Romans he was taken prisoner. He was transferred to Antioch and because of his physical qualities he joined the Roman legions. During his stay in Antioch he converted to Christianity, was baptized by the local bishop Vavilas, the later hieromartyr, and received the name Xristoforos or Christopher.

Shortly after his baptism, Christopher saw some Christians being abused by pagans. He vigorously defended his co-religionists, but was denounced to the emperor Decius, who ordered his arrest. A military detachment began to search for him.

After several days of searching, exhausted and fasted, the soldiers discovered Christopher, just as he was preparing to dine on a piece of dry bread. Through prayer, Christopher succeeded in multiplying the scarce bread and feeding all the soldiers. Surprised by the miracle, they believed in Christ.

When the emperor was informed of the fact, he arrested and beheaded the soldiers of the detachment, while he tried with promises and flattery to convince Christopher. He also sent him two women of free morals, Akylina and Kalliniki, hoping that with their charms they would seduce and seduce him.

Not only did this not happen, but the two women became Christians, after being persuaded by Christopher to return to the path of virtue. When Decius was informed of this, he was enraged and ordered the beheading of both Christopher and the two women (251 AD). The memory of Akylinis and Kalliniki is celebrated together with that of Agios Christophers on May 9.

In the iconography, Saint Christopher is depicted carrying Christ on his shoulder. Tradition has it that he took the trekkers over a torrent, because there was no bridge. When he passed and Christ took his name Christoforos (“Christ brings”). In some images he is represented as a dog-head, because according to tradition he came from the nation of the Dog-heads.

In popular tradition, the great martyr Christoforos is considered a protector of fields and vineyards from adverse weather conditions and especially from hail. He is also the Patron Saint of motorists, trekkers and the Corps of Supply of the Greek Army.