Michael Paknanas was an 18th-century Greek gardener from Athens who is recognized as a martyr. Born in Thission during the era of Ottoman rule, he faced pressure from Muslim missionaries who sought to convert him to Islam. Because he refused to abandon his Christian faith, he underwent torture and was ultimately executed in 1771. He is commemorated as Saint Michael, the new martyr, within the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Life and death
Born in 1753 in the Thission area of Athens, Michael lived under the Ottoman Empire. His life ended prematurely at the age of eighteen. After being targeted by missionaries for conversion, his steadfastness in his religious beliefs led to his death on July 9, 1771.
Veneration and memory
The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates his feast day on June 30. In his home city of Athens, his memory is preserved through local landmarks, including a street named Baknana Street and a tram stop located in the Neos Kosmos district.