Saint Eumenios the miracle worker, bishop of Gortyn
Date of celebration: 18/09
From a young age Eumenios subjected himself to many hardships and exercises. Temperance was what distinguished him most. Because in his mind, he always had the advice of the Apostle Paul, “everyone who strives always restrains himself” (1 Corinthians, i. 25). That is to say, everyone who struggles restrains himself in everything, even in food and drink, in order to achieve his spiritual goal. And Eumenios, following the words of the inspired Apostle, succeeded.
He deserved to be ordained and become bishop of Gortyn in Crete. From his new position, his virtue shone even more, and God gave him the grace and power to work miracles. And as tradition relates, once with lighted candles he consumed a dragon, which rushed at him. Then Eumenius went to Rome, where with his divine teaching and miracles he established the believers. Craving, however, more austerity and exercise, he went to Thebaid in Upper Egypt, near the great ascetics. There he surrendered his spirit to God. His remains were transferred and buried with honors in the seat of his diocese, in Crete.