Saint Martyr Evdokim celebrated by the Serbian Orthodox Church

The Serbian Orthodox Church and its believers celebrate the feast day of Saint Martyr Evdokim on August 13. This day is also marked in the church calendar as ‘Gospojinske poklade’, signaling the beginning of the fast leading up to the Dormition of the Holy Virgin.

According to religious tradition, Evdokim was born in Cappadocia to pious parents, Basil and Evdokia. During the reign of Byzantine Emperor Theophilus (829–842), he served as a young officer in the imperial army. Despite his military status and eventual appointment as the Duke of Cappadocia, he was noted for living according to Gospel commandments, maintaining purity, and practicing charity toward the poor.

Evdokim died at the age of 33. Tradition holds that miraculous healings occurred at his tomb, including the recovery of a mentally ill man and a child. Approximately 18 months after his death, his mother reportedly found his body incorrupt and emitting a pleasant fragrance. His relics were later transferred to Constantinople and interred in a church dedicated to the Mother of God.