(), St., surnamed ὁ
ξενοδ̔ό-χος, or "Hospitum Exceptor," was born at Rome of a rich
and noble family in the fifth century after Christ. He studied medicine, not as a profession,
but as a means of being useful to the poor, whom he attended gratuitously and with great
success. While still young he removed to Constantinople, where he continued his charitable
ministrations by converting his house into a hospital for the sick poor; and where he was
ordained priest at about the age of thirty. Here he became acquainted with the emperor
Justinian, whom he cured of a painful and obstinate disease; and whom he persuaded to build a
hospital instead of conferring any reward upon himself. Sampson did not live long after this
event, but died about the year 530 or 531. Numerous miracles are said to have been wrought by
him after his death, on account of which he has been canonized by the Romish and Greek
churches. His hospital, which was near the church of St. Sophia, was twice destroyed by fire,
but was rebuilt, and existed in full usefulness long after his death. His memory is celebrated
on June 27. There is a long and interesting life of St. Sampson by Simeon Metaphrastes, which
is inserted in the "Acta Sanctorum" (June, vol. v. p. 261, &c.). See also Menolog. Graec. June 27, vol. iii. p. 144; Bzovius, Nomenclator
Sanctor. Professione Medicor. An account of St. Sampson's hospital may be found in Du
Cange's CPolis Christiana, 4.9. 9.