Belonging to a wealthy Roman family allowed young Sampson to receive a brilliant education. He became a doctor and helped many suffering, healing them with his art. However, Sampson fled fame and popularity, was kind to everyone, generously distributed alms. The young man dreamed of withdrawing from the world and becoming a deserter.
Orphaned, he sold all his possessions, freed the slaves and drove east to go into the desert.
God, however, had a plan. Once in Constantinople, Sampson realized he could serve God here in the heart of Christianity.
He opened a small house where everyone could find shelter and food.
A skilled physician, he healed many diseases, and the Lord also endowed with the ability to heal with prayer and touch.
The fame of the miraculous healer spread throughout Constantinople. The patriarch, learning of Sampson’s deeds, ordained him to presbyter.
When Emperor Justinian fell seriously ill, the court doctors could not help him.
Then they sent for the Reverend. As soon as he touched Justinian’s body, the emperor was relieved, and soon he recovered completely.
Instead of rewarding himself, Sampson asked to build a bigger house.
The emperor gave away land and money. Soon a strange hospital with a free hospital opened its doors to the residents of Constantinople and numerous pilgrims who flocked to the city from all over the world.
Saint Sampson lived a long life and devoted every day to serving God and serving people. He went to the Lord about 530. He was buried in the small church of St. Mocius. Many miracles were performed from the tomb of the saint.
People came to the tomb of the saint with the hope of healing and received it.
The strangely hospitable house was converted into a church, and a new one, much more spacious, was built nearby.
On the day of commemoration of St. Sampson in 1709, Russian troops defeated the Swedes near Poltava. On the site of the battle, the church of St. Sampson was built, and in St. Petersburg — a cathedral also dedicated to the monk.
Two streets were named in honor of the saint. There are still Big and Small Sampsonievsky Prospekts in St. Petersburg.
Remembrance days
July 10
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
