A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Πανταλέων), or PANTOLEON (Παντολέων), or PANTELEEMON (Παντελεήμων), a physician of Nicomedia in Bithynia, in the third century after Christ, the son of Eustorgius, a person of wealth and consequence, but strongly devoted to paganism. His mother, whose name was Eubula, was a zealous Christian, and educated him in the Christian faith; she died, however, while he was yet young, and he was in danger of relapsing into paganism. After receiving a good preliminary education, he studied medicine under a physician named Euphrosynus, and by his engaging manners and good conduct attracted the notice of the Emperor Maximian, so that he was intended for the post of one of the royal physicians. About this time he became acquainted with an aged Christian priest, named Hermolaus, by whom he was confirmed in his attachment to the Christian faith, and shortly after baptized. He then endeavoured to convert his father from paganism, in which attempt he at last succeeded. He made himself an object of dislike and envy to the other physicians by the number of cures he effected, and was at last denounced to the emperor as a Christian. After being in vain tempted to embrace paganism, and suffering many tortures (from some of which he is said to have been miraculously delivered), he was at last beheaded, probably A. D. 303. The name of Panteleemon was given him on account of his praying for his murderers. His memory is celebrated in the Romish church on July 27. A very interesting account of his life and martyrdom is given in the "Acta Sanctorum" (Jul. 27. vol. vi. p. 397), taken chiefly from Simeon Metaphrastes. (See Bzovius, Nomenclator Sanctor. Professione Medicor. ; C. B. Carpzovlus, De Medicis ab Eccles. pro Sanctis habitis, and the authors there referred to.)

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