The Akathist to Saint Philoumenos of Jacob's Well (English)

Saint Philoumenos of Jacob’s Well (1913–1979) was a modern Orthodox martyr known for his peaceful holiness and brutal death at one of Christianity’s holiest sites. Born in Cyprus as one of a pair of devout twin brothers (his brother later became Archbishop of Mount Sinai), he entered monastic life at a young age and served the Church faithfully in various places, eventually becoming the guardian of Jacob’s Well in Nablus, West Bank - an ancient and sacred Christian pilgrimage site.

Saint Philoumenos lived a humble and prayerful life, caring for the church built over the well where Christ spoke with the Samaritan woman. In a time of rising tension and hostility, he faced threats from extremist groups who wanted Christians removed from the area. On November 29, 1979, during evening prayers, he was attacked in the church by a fanatic wielding an axe and a grenade. He was martyred brutally, his body mutilated, and the church desecrated.

Though his death was at first covered up, faithful Christians preserved his memory, and his body was found to be incorrupt - a sign of sanctity in Orthodox tradition. He was glorified as a saint in 2009 by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

His feast day is celebrated on November 29, and he is honoured as a modern martyr who stood faithfully at the holy place of Jacob’s Well, showing unwavering devotion even unto death.