“Agie Sozon please save us.” That is a phrase islanders often say. Today we explore the story of \u0386\u03b3\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 \u03a3\u03ce\u03b6\u03c9\u03bd. This Christian saint and martyr lived in Asia Minor.
\u0386\u03b3\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 \u03a3\u03ce\u03b6\u03c9\u03bd was born during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Before embracing Christianity he was called Tarasius. He worked as a shepherd. He was baptized a Christian after hearing the gospel. He took the name Sozon.
His meekness transformed him. He became a spiritual shepherd. He preached God’s word. One night Sozon had a vision. A divine figure strengthened his faith. The figure revealed that Sozon’s place would be blessed. Its inhabitants would find salvation. They would glorify the Holy Trinity.
Many chapels bear his name. One story tells of a merchant ship. It wrecked off the coast south of Naxos. The merchant promised God a chapel of oil and wine if saved. He landed safely on a rocky shore. The merchant built the chapel. He named it \u0386\u03b3\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 \u03a3\u03ce\u03b6\u03c9\u03bd. It is also called Agios Sostis or Agios Sozos. Sailors often invoke him in tempests. They say “Agie Sozon please save us”.
The church of \u0386\u03b3\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 \u03a3\u03ce\u03b6\u03c9\u03bd is celebrated for its history. The island of Naxos is full of monasteries churches and chapels. The story of \u0386\u03b3\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 \u03a3\u03ce\u03b6\u03c9\u03bd is special.
From the cove of \u0386\u03b3. Sozon stone anchors and ceramics were found. These included a post-classical amphora and classical vessels. A clay pipeline dates from late-Roman to Byzantine times.
The Orthodox Church recognizes his feast day. \u0386\u03b3\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 \u03a3\u03ce\u03b6\u03c9\u03bd’s memory inspires faith. His story echoes through the ages.