Venerated in Eastern Orthodoxy Feast August 20 | Name Saint Theocharis | |
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Attributes Usually depicted holding a cross in his right hand. Died August 20, 1740, Nevsehir, Turkey | ||
Saint Theocharis of Nevşehir (Greek: Ὁ Ἅγιος Θεοχάρης ὁ Μάρτυρας ὁ Νεαπολίτης) is a saint of the Greek Orthodox Church. He is considered a new martyr as he gave his life rather than convert to Islam. His feast day is on August 20.
Biography
Saint Theocharis 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.
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.