Michael Paknanas

Michael Paknanas the Gardener, aka Michail Baknanas (Greek: Μιχαήλ Μπακνανάς, 1753 – July 9, 1771) was a Greek gardener and martyr.[1][2] He was canonized as St Michael, the new martyr.[3][4]

Michail Baknanas Μιχαήλ Μπακνανάς
Born	1753 Greece (then ruled by the Ottoman Empire)
Died	July 4, 1771 Athens, Greece (then the Ottoman Empire)
Occupation	writer

Biography

He was born in Thission.[5] Living during the Ottoman rule of Greece, Michael was approached by Muslim missionaries who attempted to convert him to Islam. He was tortured and eventually executed for his refusal to renounce Christianity.[3][6]

Legacy

A street (Baknana Street) and a nearby tram stop in Neos Kosmos in Athens were later named after him.[5] His feast day is held on June 30.[6]

References

1. http://www.saintnicodemos.org/articles/christianmartyrdom.php
2. http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/06/saint-michael-paknanas-gardner-from.html
3. Sicilianos, Demetrios (1960). Old and new Athens. Putnam. p. 130.
4. Nicol, Gladys (1978). Athens. Batsford. p. 37. ISBN 9780713406276.
5. Μιχαήλ Μπακνανάς ή Πακνανάς (1753–1771) (in Greek). ΣΑΝ ΣΗΜΕΡΑ GR. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
6. "Saint Michael Paknanas, the New Martyr". Pantanassa.org. Retrieved July 19, 2012.

Further reading

• Pherousēs, Dēmētrēs (1987). Michaēl Baknanas, ho Athēnaios : historiko aphēgēma. Athens: Ekdot. Oikos "Astēr", Al. & E. Papadēmētriou.