Saint Michael Baknanas was born in Athens in 1750 and lived in a neighbourhood beneath the Acropolis, near the area of today’s Ancient Agora.
Living under Ottoman rule, Michael worked as a gardener. As a young Christian, he was pressured to convert to Islam, with promises of reward and favour reportedly followed by torture when he refused.
According to Orthodox tradition, Michael remained firm in his faith despite repeated attempts to force his conversion.
As he was led to execution, the executioner is said to have struck him lightly at first, urging him to reconsider. Michael’s response remained unchanged: “I told you, I am a Christian. I refuse to become a Muslim.”
He was then executed and later recognised by the Orthodox Church as Saint Michael Baknanas, the New Martyr.
His memory remains part of Athens’ Christian heritage. Baknana Street and a nearby tram stop in Neos Kosmos are named after him.
His feast day is commemorated on June 30.
.
