Saint Theocharis

Theocharis of Neapolis 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.

Saint Theocharis of Neapolis (Nevşehirli) (... - 20 August 1740) is a New Martyr of the Eastern Orthodox Church, who was martyred on 20 August 1740 in Neapolis (Nevşehir) in eastern Asia Minor.

Biography Saint 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 qadi (Islamic judge) of Nevşehir who took a liking to the boy. The qadi took Theocharis out of the camp and took him back to work on his estate.

The qadi and his wife admired Theocharis so greatly that they offered their daughter to him, upon the condition that he convert to Islam. Theocharis refused and answered bravely "My lord, I was born a Christian, and I cannot deny the faith of my Savior and my forefathers." (translated from: "Αφέντη μου, εγώ γεννήθηκα χριστιανός, και δεν μπορώ να αρνηθώ την πίστη του Σωτήρα μου και των πατέρων μου."). This caused the judge great offence and so he threatened Theocharis with hunger, torture and death. He was stoned and then hanged at noon on 20 August 1740. The tree became a site of veneration for both Ottomans and Orthodox Christians.

After the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, following the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, the relics of Saint Theocharis were transferred to the Church of Saint Catherine in Thessaloniki, where they remain today. Part of the saint's right hand is permanently on display in the church, and his feast is commemorated with a procession of the relics on 20 August.

The Church of Saint Theocharis has been built in Anissaras, Hersonissos Port, Heraklion, in his honour.

Hymnology Apolytikion.

English translation:

Tone 1. As an unshakeable pillar, New Martyr Theocharis, you bore suffering, hunger, guards, imprisonment and scourges; you were bound to a horse and to the ground; you were dragged for the love of Christ, stoned, hanged, finished, at the poplar of blood. Rejoice Neapolitan Athlete, rejoice seal of faith, rejoice treasure of Thessaloniki, light of Cappadocia.