St. Mamas: The Holy Shepherd-Marty

St. Mamas, a beloved third-century saint, is remembered as a shining example of youthful innocence and fearless faith. Born in prison after his parents, Theodotus and Rufina, were martyred for Christ, he entered the world already marked by witness to the Gospel. Orphaned at birth, he was taken in by a devout Christian woman, Ammia, who raised him as her own. When the child first spoke, calling her “mama,” she lovingly named him Mamas.

From an early age, Mamas showed a deep love for Scripture and charity. He gave away all that he inherited to the poor and chose to live humbly as a shepherd in Cappadocia. Known for his purity of heart, he made cheese from his flock’s milk and shared it with the hungry. His gentle spirit even tamed wild beasts—lions were said to lie peacefully at his feet.

His bold preaching of Christ, however, drew the attention of authorities. Though he endured fire, sea, prison, and torture, God preserved him until the end. At only fifteen years old, Mamas was martyred by beheading.

Praised by St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzus, St. Mamas is remembered as the Holy Shepherd-Martyr—innocent, courageous, and faithful to Christ unto death.