Mammas was born in Prison, in Ceasarea, Cappadocia. His parents Theodotus and Rufina were confessors, arrested and imprisoned for their open confession of Christianity. Mammas’ father prayed that the Lord would take him so that he would not be subject to torture – both he and Rufina died in prison. Mammas was born prematurely, and was adopted by a wealthy Christian widow called Ammia.

Ammia saw to his education, Mammas was quick to learn, and through his astute judgement, and wisdom many of his classmates converted to Christianity. His intelligence and persuasiveness caught the attention of the local governor, who attempted to have the teenager renounce his faith. He failed to persuade Mammas, and sent him off to the Emperor Aurelian (270-275) who also failed to persuade Mammas to become a Pagan, and became infuriated at his pointed arguments against the worship of idols. Aurelian had Mammas tortured, and even attempted to drown him, but an angel saved Mammas and sent him to live on a mountain in the wilderness.

Mammas built a small chapel there, and lived a simple life. Wild beasts in the area would come to “hear” him preach the Gospel. Mammas survived off of the milk of wild goats and deer. Not ignoring the needs of his neighbours, Mammas would prepare cheese from the milk he collected and give it to the poor. Eventually Mammas’ kindness, wisdom and simplicity made him more famous than before, when he was at school. The governor sent a detachment to arrest him, but they were shamed by his hospitality, and holiness. Mammas not wishing to be the cause of their death – for they were considering not arresting him – said that he would meet them at the city gate. They waited for him there, and he arrived accompanied by a lion that went with him everywhere.

Mammas was subjected to prolonged torture, before finally being thrown to the wild beasts – they, of course, would not touch him. Finally a Pagan priest, struck the mortal blow, impaling the holy man with a trident.

As early as the fourth century people received help from St. Mammas – he is known as a healer, a guide, and one who brings relief in a time of sorrow.