Monastic Martyr Cosmas of Saint Anne Skete, Mount Athos

Commemorated on December 3.

Saint Cosmas was a monk of Saint Anne’s Skete on Mount Athos. He was executed in Constantinople on December 3, 1760 when he refused to convert to Islam. The specific details of his martyrdom are not known.

Troparion

The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Father,
for you took up the Cross and followed Christ.
By so doing you taught us to disregard the flesh for it passes away
but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal.
Therefore your spirit, venerable Cosmas, rejoices with the angels.

Kontakion

As a venerable and proven ascetic, as an honorable and renowned martyr,
and as a model of the desert life, O most exalted Cosmas,
we sing hymns of praise to you,
for you have trampled upon serpents.