Venerable Martyr Elias Ardunis (+1688)

The Venerable Martyr Elias Ardunis was born in the Morea. He was distinguished by good sense and kindness, and the inhabitants of his village loved him very much. Once, tempted by the evil one, Elias denied Christianity, but soon repented, went to Mount Athos and became a monk. He spent eight years here in strict labour, but could not quiet the pangs of his conscience. A desire was stirred in the saint to wash with blood his soul stained by sin. With his teacher’s blessing he went to his homeland and declared himself a Christian before the Turks. The lawless beat him cruelly and handed him over to the judge, and the judge ordered him to be burned. The Lord glorified His chosen one: in the fire not only his body but even his clothes and hair remained unharmed. The Christians buried the martyr’s body with honour.