Saint Sampson the Hospitable

Life

This saint was born of wealthy and distinguished parents in old Rome, where he learned all the secular knowledge of that time and devoted himself especially to the science of medicine. Sampson was a merciful and unmercenary physician, and he gave the sick remedies for both body and soul, counseling everyone to fulfill the prescriptions of the Christian faith. He then moved to Constantinople, where he lived in a small house from which he scattered in all directions, like the sun its rays of light, alms, consolation, counsel, hope, medicine, and in general, help to the helpless, both spiritual and bodily. The patriarch heard of the high virtues of this man and ordained him a priest. At that time Emperor Justinian the Great fell ill, and his illness, according to the assurance of all the physicians, was incurable. Then the emperor prayed to God with great fervor, and God revealed to him in a dream that Sampson would heal him. And indeed, when the emperor learned of Sampson, he summoned him to his court, and the moment the elder placed his hand on the sore spot, the emperor was healed. When the emperor offered him great treasure for this, Sampson thanked him and would receive nothing, saying to the emperor: "O Emperor, I had gold and silver and other possessions, but I left all for the sake of Christ, that I might obtain the eternal blessings of heaven." But when the emperor insisted on doing something for him, the holy Sampson asked the emperor to build him a home for the poor. In that home Sampson served the poor as a parent serves his children. Mercy toward the poor and the infirm was as natural to him. At last this holy man, all filled with heavenly power and goodness, reposed peacefully on June 27, 530, and was buried in the Church of the Holy Martyr Mocius, his kinsman. After his repose Sampson appeared several times to those who called upon him for help.

From the Hymn of Praise

When the dead man was revived, the people asked him:Tell us, where wast thou? And who awakened thee?I was in a place of fear and horror,In the company of black ones, wolves, and dogs,