Saint Charalambos was an early Christian bishop in Magnesia of Asia Minor. His name Χαράλαμπος means glowing with joy in Greek and he lived during the reign of Septimius Severus (193-211). It is believed that at the time of his martyrdom in 202, Charalambos was 113 years old. Charalambos spread the Gospel in that region for many years but when news of his preaching reached the authorities of the area, the saint was arrested and brought to trial, where he confessed his faith in Christ and refused to offer sacrifice to idols. Despite his advanced age, he was tortured mercilessly. They lacerated his body with iron hooks and scraped all the skin from his body. The saint had only one thing to say to his tormentors: "Thank you, my brethren, for scraping off the old body and renewing my soul for new and eternal life." Many miracles are traditionally attributed to the fragments of his relics, which are to be found in many places in Greece and elsewhere. The miracles have made this saint, considered the most aged of all the martyrs, especially dear to the people of Greece. Saint Charalambos is the holy protector of agriculture and related activities.

Russian Icon - Archangel Michael and three selected Saints: Agnes of Rome, Simon, Gury, and Aviv (Patrons of the Holy Matrimony)