AGIOS SOZON - The Patron Saint of Lemnos

  • Each year on 7 September, the people of Lemnos celebrate the feast day of Agios Sozon, the island's beloved patron saint. One of the island's most significant panegyria takes place at the picturesque chapel of Agios Sozon, perched on the rugged southeastern coastline near the village of Fisini. Pilgrims from across Lemnos and beyond gather to honour the saint with a Divine Liturgy, followed by traditional celebrations featuring local food, music, dancing and Lemnian wine.

    Here in Sydney, the Lemnian Association proudly continues this cherished tradition. We invite our community to join us for a Church service on Sunday 13 September at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Belmore.

    Following the service, you are all warmly invited to the Lemnos Club for a luncheon, with the compliments of the Lemnian Association.

  • We look forward to celebrating this special day together and keeping our Lemnian traditions alive for future generations.

    Details for this year's
    AGIOS SOZON SERVICE:


    SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2026
    All Saints Greek Orthodox Church
    Cnr. Cecilia St & Isabel St, Belmore NSW 2192

    You are invited to join us afterwards at
    The Lemnos Club, from 11am to 2pm
    44 Albert St, Belmore.

The Martyrdom of Saint Sozon

Born a pagan named Tarasios in Lycaonia, he worked as a shepherd before converting to Christianity and taking the name Sozon. According to Orthodox tradition, he received a vision that he would suffer for Christ. In 304 AD, during the persecutions of Emperor Maximian, Sozon traveled to the city of Pompeiopolis in Cilicia. He entered the temple of the pagan goddess Artemis, broke off the golden arm of her idol, and distributed the pieces to the poor. When innocent people were arrested for the theft, Sozon willingly surrendered himself to the governor. He endured severe torture, ultimately surrendering his soul to God. When his executioners attempted to burn his body to prevent Christians from venerating his remains, a sudden violent storm with torrential rain and hail forced the pagans to flee, allowing the faithful to recover his relics. The Legend on Lemnos according to local Lemnian folklore, Sozon's status as the island's protector is linked to a miraculous icon. A shepherd from the village of Fisini discovered an icon of the Saint on the remote southeastern coast of Lemnos. He brought the icon to his village, but the next morning, it miraculously reappeared on the remote cape. This happened multiple times until the Saint appeared to the shepherd in a vision, stating exactly where he wanted his church built.

When the authorities searched for the person responsible, Sozon willingly surrendered rather than allow others to be punished in his place. He endured torture with unwavering faith before being martyred for Christianity. He is honoured by the Orthodox Church as a symbol of courage, compassion and steadfast devotion.

This beautiful seaside chapel on the southeastern coast of Lemnos is one of the island's most cherished pilgrimage sites. Every year on 7 September, thousands of faithful gather there to celebrate his feast day, keeping alive a tradition that has united generations of Lemnians in faith and community.