Saint Eumenios of Gortyna commemorated by the Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Eumenios, the Bishop of Gortyna, on September 18. According to ecclesiastical tradition, Eumenios originated from Crete and renounced his wealthy upbringing to pursue an ascetic life characterized by prayer, fasting, and extreme humility.

As Bishop of Gortyna, he was noted for his philanthropy and reported miracles, including healing the sick and ending droughts through prayer. His influence extended to Rome and Thebes, Egypt, where he spent his final years. Following his death, his relics were returned to Gortyna and interred in Raxos.

Historical accounts suggest he lived between 667 and 680, a period when Crete was under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Rome. He is credited with facilitating a reconciliation between co-emperors in Constantinople during his lifetime.