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Theocharis of Neapolis (Greek: Θεοχάρης ὁ Νεαπολίτης) is a saint of the Greek Orthodox Church. He is considered a new martyr as he chose death over converting to Islam. His feast day is on August 20.[1]
Theocharis of Neapolis | |
|---|---|
 Eastern Orthodox icon of Saint Theocharis | |
| New Martyr | |
| Died | August 20, 1740 Nevşehir, Nevşehir Province, Turkey |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodoxy |
| Feast | August 20[1] |
| Attributes | Usually depicted wearing a fez and holding a crucifix in his right hand. |
Biography
editSaint Theocharis was a Cappadocian Greek. He was orphaned at a young age. With the Ottoman State at war, young Theocharis was taken to a concentration camp for Christian boys. There, he was spotted by the governor of Nevşehir who took a liking to the boy. The governor took Theocharis out of the camp and took him back to work on his estate.[2]
The governor and his wife liked Theocharis so much that they decided to offer their daughter to him, upon the condition that he convert to Islam. Theocharis refused. This caused the Governor great offence and so he threatened Theocharis with hunger, torture and death. He was stoned and then hanged at noon on 20 August 1740.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c Great Synaxaristes: (in Greek) Ὁ Ἅγιος Θεοχάρης ὁ Μάρτυρας ὁ Νεαπολίτης. 20 Αυγούστου. ΜΕΓΑΣ ΣΥΝΑΞΑΡΙΣΤΗΣ.
- ^ "Holy New Martyr Theokhares at Neopolis in Asia Minor", OCA
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