Saint Damaris of Athens

Handmade Byzantine iconography of the Saint Damaris of Athens, made on Mount Athos, on natural wood. The icon is delivered in a wooden box.

Saint Damaris (ancient Greek: Δάμαρις) of Athens was the first Athenian woman to embrace Christianity after hearing the Apostle Paul preach in 52 A.D. Her name is specifically mentioned by the Evangelist Luke in Acts 17:34, indicating her significance and possibly her noble background. At the time, the Christian community in Athens was small and faced many challenges amid a predominantly pagan society. Although the Apostle Paul never returned to Athens, the Church there continued to grow under Bishop Dionysios the Areopagite, and Saint Damaris played an important role in its development. Known for her missionary zeal, Saint Damaris was especially active among women and worked daily to spread the words of Jesus Christ in any way she could. Saint Damaris of Athens is commemorated on October 3.