Constantinople, 1453-1922, Folder, Ottoman Period, The Turks.kmz

Constantinople, 1453-1922, Folder, Ottoman Period, The Turks

Constantinople, 1453-1499, 15th Century Folder, Ottoman E., Fall of Constantinople

Constantinople, 1453, Fall of Constantinople
Constantinople, Fall of Constantinople (1453); Ottoman Empire; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; St Zosimas II of Kumurdo, Commemorated on May 1;

Constantinople, 1457-1496, Maximus tNew, Stephen B's son, monk aManasija, 1457 Serbia seized by Turks, fled tRomania, became Met
Serbia, 1457-1496, Maximus tNew, son oKing Stephen Brancovich, monk aManasija monastery, Serbia (Great Morava River 1), 1457 Serbia seized by Turks, he fled to Romania where became Met oWallachia; Manasija monastery; St Maximus the New, Commemorated January 18 ; Maximus the New was the son of King Stephen of Serbia (December 10). became a monk at Manasija, had to flee into a mountainous region of Romania because of the Moslems. was consecrated as Metropolitan of Wallachia. a life of great spiritual endeavors, he fell asleep in the Lord on January 18, 1516 in a monastery he had founded.

Constantinople, 1460-1500, Nectarius oBitel, Bulgaria, mother's MOG vision tFlee, Athos clairvoyant, suffered envy, c humility
Bulgaria, 1460-1500, Nectarius oBitel (Butili) near Kuklen and Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5), before turk invasion, mother's vision MOG told her to flee tHiding, father took N tHoly Unvercenaries Monastery, near Bitel, later N went tAthos, clairvoyant elder accepted him, suffered envy, displayed complete humility, charity, d 1500; Kuklen Monastery of St.St. Kosma and Damyan, Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Maritza River 5) ; Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Saint Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15; Nectarius of Bitel was born in the small town of Bitel (or Butili) in Bulgaria. In the world he was named Nicholas. a Turkish invasion his mother had a vision: the Most Holy Virgin Herself appeared and told her to flee and go into hiding with her husband and children. ’s father, having taken the boy with him, withdrew to a monastery dedicated to the Holy Unmercenaries (Saints Cosmas and Damian), not far from Bitel, where he became a monk with the name Pachomius. having reached adolescence, went on to Athos. clairvoyant Elder Philotheus accepted him and tonsured him into the angelic schema with the name Nectarius. monk suffered for a long time from the envy and spite of one of the novices, but he displayed complete humility. was distinguished for his charity. money he obtained from his handicraft was distributed to the poor. Saint Nectarius died in the year 1500.

Constantinople, 1480, Joseph oBistritsa Monastery, founded community, tried to move but MOG said my garden is here
Moldovia, 1480, Joseph oBistritsa Monastery, Moldovia, went to Lords Tomb in J, tJordan Valley Wilderness, exalted spirit experience, founded community, Arabs invaded, back tRomania, Bistrita M, rule otSleepless, Turks came, tMt Athos but MOG, back my garden is here in Moldovia Bistritsa Monastery; Saint Joseph of Bisericani Monastery (late XV century), Commemorated on October 1; Venerable Father was the first known hermit on Mount Bisericani, and the founder of a Monastery with the same name. was born in a village in Neamț county and, being inclined toward the monastic life from a young age, he entered Bistrița Monastery. he was trained in monasticism and learned about the spiritual life from the older Fathers, also taught him about fasting and unceasing prayer. Venerable Joseph, seeing that he did not have much peace at Bistrița Monastery, he left with the Igoumen's blessing went to worship at the Lord's tomb in Jerusalem. then retired to the wilderness of the Jordan Valley, and within a few years after his arrival, he was a famous hermit. lived in a cave, alone at first, then with a few disciples, enduring many temptations from the devil. a life of exalted spiritual experience, he gathered seventeen monks around him, and founded the first Romanian spiritual community in the Holy Land. when Arabs invaded the Holy Places, causing great turmoil, Saint Joseph took his disciples and went to Bistrița Monastery in Moldavia. Saint Joseph's hermitage moved from the Jordan Valley to Moldavia, on Mount Bisericani. the number of disciples increased, he built a small church dedicated to the Annunciation, and built cells around it. the monastic life here, he established the Rule of the sleepless, after the model of the Stoudion Monastery in Constantinople, which involved unceasing prayer in church and in the cells, fasting, prostrations, singing psalms, listening, and love. the Turks came and set fire to their church, they decided to go to Holy Mount Athos. On the way, however, they saw Most Holy Mother of God in an oak tree, who asked them, "Where are you going?" At this wondrous sight they replied, "We are going to your garden;"1 and the Mother of God then said to them, "Return, for my garden is here." remembrance of this miracle, they placed an icon of the Mother of God there. the Hermitage of the Venerable Joseph was called "Bisericani Skete." that is, "of the godly," because the monks prayed here with tears, and many were cured of their diseases through Saint Joseph's prayers and blessings. 1 Mount Athos is known as the Garden of the Theotokos.

Constantinople, 1481-1521, Bayezid II, Ottoman Empire, Sultan, resettled Jews, consolidated E, thwarted Safavid rebellion
Constantinople, 1481-1521, Ottoman Empire, Sultan, Bayezid II; Bayezid II ( December 1447 -26 May 1512, Turkish: II. Bayezid) was the eldest son and successor of Mehmed II, ruling as Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1481 to 1512. During his reign, Bayezid II consolidated the Ottoman Empire and thwarted a Safavid rebellion soon before abdicating his throne to his son, Selim I. He is most notable for evacuating Sephardi Jews from Spain after the proclamation of the Alhambra Decree, and resettling them throughout Ottoman lands, especially in Salonica. St. Bassian of Uglich, Commemorated on February 12;

Constantinople, 1486-1496, Despot, George Brancovich, aka Maximus tNew, relinquished, monk, krusedol monastery, Romanian envoy
Serbian Prince, 1486-1496, George Brancovich ; as George; also known as Saint Maksim; b. 1461 “ d. 1516) was the last male member of the Brankovic dynasty, and titular Despot of Serbia from 1486 to 1497. The title was granted to him by Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus. From 1493, he shared the title with his brother Jovan. In 1497, he relinquished all titles and possessions to his brother, and decided to take monastic vows, adopting the name Maksim. built the Kruskedol monastery, and served as diplomatic envoy for prince Radu IV the Great of Wallachia (1507). 1513, he became Metropolitan of Belgrade. After his death (1516), he was venerated as saint, and canonized by the Serbian Orthodox Church.[1][2] Son of Serbian Prince, 1458-1459, Stephen Brancovich; Blessed Stephen the Prince of Serbia, Commemorated on December 10; St Nectarius of Bitel, Commemorated on December 15; Venerable Angelina of Serbia, Commemorated on July 30; St Angelina of Serbia, Commemorated on July 1;

Constantinople, 1486-1502, Nephon II, Patriarch of Constantinople, Romania, Athos
Byzantine Patriarch, 1486-1502, Nephon II of Constantinople; St Niphon the Patriarch of Constantinople of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 11; Nḗphon II, the Patriarch of Constantinople, was from the Peloponnesos. His parents were named Manuel and Maria, and he was named Nicholas in Holy Baptism. Later, he was tonsured as a monk at Epidauros, receiving the new name Nephon. the death of his Elder Anthony, he went to Mount Athos, where he occupied himself by copying books. Afterward, he was chosen as Metropolitan of Thessaloniki. In 1486 he occupied the Patriarchal throne of Constantinople. in 1488, the Saint went to the Holy Mountain, at first to Vatopedi Monastery, and then to the monastery of Saint John the Forerunner (Dionysiou). He concealed his rank and occupied the lowliest position. By God’s providence, his rank was revealed to the brethren of the monastery. Once, when the Saint was returning from the forest where he had gone for firewood, all the brethren went out to meet him, greeting him as Patriarch. But even after this, the Saint continued to share various tasks with the brethren. all, he served three times as Patriarch of Constantinople: 1486-1488; 1497-1498; and 1502. Nephon reposed on September 3, 1508 at the age of 90. Immediately after his death, he was honored as a Saint in many places. On August 16, 1517, in the newly-established monastery of Curtea de Argeş, Patriarch Theoleptos of Constantinople, together with the Synod of the Romanian Lands, and the Igoumens of the Athonite monasteries, performed the solemn glorification of Saint Nḗphon, decreeing that his Feast Day be celebrated on August 11th. relics are kept in a shrine at the Monastery of Dionysiou, where there is also a chapel dedicated to him. In gratitude, the Athonite monks gave the Saint's head and hand to Nyagoe Basarab, who placed them in the Monastery he built at Curtea de Argeş in what is now Romania. In the XVIII century, these relics were placed in a silver reliquary. the behest of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, they were brought to Craiova, to the church of Saint Demetrios, the Metropolitan cathedral of Oltenia on October 25, 1949. In 2009, the relics of Saint Nephon were moved to the Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord at Targoviste. Venerable Theophilus the Myrrhgusher of Macedonia, Commemorated on July 8;

Constantinople, 1490-1510, Discovery of Phanourius' Icon, Rhodes, looked painted that day
Ephesus, 1490-1510, Discovery of Phanourius' Icon, Rhodes, looked painted that day working on the fortress, the Moslems uncovered the ruins of a beautiful church. Several icons, most of them badly damaged, were found on the floor. One icon, of Saint Phanourius, looked as if it had been painted that very day. The local bishop, whose name was Nilus, was called to see the icon. It said, “Saint Phanourius.” saint is depicted as a young soldier holding a cross in his right hand. On the upper part of the cross is a lighted taper. Twelve scenes from his life are shown around the border of the icon. These scenes show him being questioned by an official, being beaten with stones by soldiers, stretched out on the ground while soldiers whip him, then having his sides raked with iron hooks. He is also shown locked up in prison, standing before the official again, being burned with candles, tied to a rack, thrown to the wild animals, and being crushed by a large rock. The remaining scenes depict him standing before idols holding burning coals in his hands, while a demon stands by lamenting his defeat by the saint, and finally, the saint stands in the midst of a fire with his arms raised in prayer. Rhodes; knights of Rhodes; St Phanourius, Commemorated on August 27 ; know nothing for certain about the background of Saint Phanourius, nor exactly when he lived. Tradition says that when the island of Rhodes had been conquered by Moslems, the new ruler of the island wished to rebuild the walls of the city, which had been damaged in previous wars. Several ruined buildings were near the fortress, and stone from these buildings was used to repair the walls at the end of the fifteenth century, or the beginning of the sixteenth. working on the fortress, the Moslems uncovered the ruins of a beautiful church. Several icons, most of them badly damaged, were found on the floor. One icon, of Saint Phanourius, looked as if it had been painted that very day. The local bishop, whose name was Nilus, was called to see the icon. It said, “Saint Phanourius.” saint is depicted as a young soldier holding a cross in his right hand. On the upper part of the cross is a lighted taper. Twelve scenes from his life are shown around the border of the icon. These scenes show him being questioned by an official, being beaten with stones by soldiers, stretched out on the ground while soldiers whip him, then having his sides raked with iron hooks. He is also shown locked up in prison, standing before the official again, being burned with candles, tied to a rack, thrown to the wild animals, and being crushed by a large rock. The remaining scenes depict him standing before idols holding burning coals in his hands, while a demon stands by lamenting his defeat by the saint, and finally, the saint stands in the midst of a fire with his arms raised in prayer. scenes clearly revealed that the saint was a martyr. Bishop Nilus sent representatives to the Moslem ruler, asking that he be permitted to restore the church. Permission was denied, so the bishop went to Constantinople and there he obtained a decree allowing him to rebuild the church. that time, there was no Orthodox bishop on the island of Crete. Since Crete was under the control of Venice, there was a Latin bishop. The Venetians refused to allow a successor to be consecrated when an Orthodox bishop died, or for new priests to be ordained, hoping that in time they would be able to convert the Orthodox population to Catholicism. Those seeking ordination were obliged to go to the island of Kythera. so happened that three young deacons had traveled from Crete to Kythera to be ordained to the holy priesthood. On their way back, they were captured at sea by Moslems who brought them to Rhodes to be sold as slaves. Lamenting their fate, the three new priests wept day and night. in Rhodes the priests heard of the miracles performed by the holy Great Martyr Phanourius. They began to pray to him with tears, asking to be freed from their captivity. Each of the three had been sold to a different master, and so remained unaware of what the others were doing. the mercy of God, each of the priests was allowed by his master to pray at the restored church of Saint Phanourius. All three arrived at the same time and prostrated themselves before the icon of the saint, asking to be delivered from the hands of the Hagarenes (Moslems, descendents of Hagar). Somewhat consoled, the priests left the church and returned to their masters. night Saint Phanourius appeared to the three masters and ordered them to set the priests free so that they could serve the Church, or he would punish them. The Moslems ignored the saint’s warning, believing the vision to be the result of sorcery. The cruel masters bound the priests with chains and treated them even worse than before. Saint Phanourius went to the priests and freed them from their shackles, promising that they would be freed the next day. Appearing once more to the Moslems, the holy martyr told them severely, “If you do not release your slaves by tomorrow, you shall witness the power of God!” next morning, all the inhabitants of the homes where the priests were held awoke to find themselves blind, paralyzed, and in great pain. They considered what they were to do, and so decided to send for the priests. When the three priests arrived, they asked them whether they could heal them. The priests replied, “We will pray to God. May His will be done!” more Saint Phanourius appeared to the Hagarenes, ordering them to send to the church a document granting the priests their freedom. He told them that if they refused to do this, they would never recover their sight or health. All three masters wrote letters releasing the priests, and sent the documents to the church, where they were placed before the icon of Saint Phanourius. the messengers returned from the church, all those who had been blind and paralyzed were healed. The priests joyfully returned to Crete, carrying with them a copy of the icon of Saint Phanourius. Every year they celebrated the Feast of Saint Phanourius with deep gratitude for their miraculous deliverance. saint’s name sounds similar to the Greek verb “phanerono,” which means “to reveal” or “to disclose.” For this reason, people pray to Saint Phanourius to help them find lost objects. When the object is recovered, they bake a sweet bread and share it with the poor, offering prayers for the salvation of saint’s mother. Her name is not known, but according to tradition, she was a sinful woman during her life. Saint Phanourius has promised to help those who pray for his mother in this way.

Constantinople, 1490-1510, Appearances of St Phanourius to free the priests,
Ephesus, 1490-1510, Appearances of St Phanourius to free the priests so happened that three young deacons had traveled from Crete to Kythera to be ordained to the holy priesthood. On their way back, they were captured at sea by Moslems who brought them to Rhodes to be sold as slaves. Lamenting their fate, the three new priests wept day and night. in Rhodes the priests heard of the miracles performed by the holy Great Martyr Phanourius. They began to pray to him with tears, asking to be freed from their captivity. Each of the three had been sold to a different master, and so remained unaware of what the others were doing. the mercy of God, each of the priests was allowed by his master to pray at the restored church of Saint Phanourius. All three arrived at the same time and prostrated themselves before the icon of the saint, asking to be delivered from the hands of the Hagarenes (Moslems, descendents of Hagar). Somewhat consoled, the priests left the church and returned to their masters. night Saint Phanourius appeared to the three masters and ordered them to set the priests free so that they could serve the Church, or he would punish them. The Moslems ignored the saint’s warning, believing the vision to be the result of sorcery. The cruel masters bound the priests with chains and treated them even worse than before. Saint Phanourius went to the priests and freed them from their shackles, promising that they would be freed the next day. Appearing once more to the Moslems, the holy martyr told them severely, “If you do not release your slaves by tomorrow, you shall witness the power of God!” next morning, all the inhabitants of the homes where the priests were held awoke to find themselves blind, paralyzed, and in great pain. They considered what they were to do, and so decided to send for the priests. When the three priests arrived, they asked them whether they could heal them. The priests replied, “We will pray to God. May His will be done!” more Saint Phanourius appeared to the Hagarenes, ordering them to send to the church a document granting the priests their freedom. He told them that if they refused to do this, they would never recover their sight or health. All three masters wrote letters releasing the priests, and sent the documents to the church, where they were placed before the icon of Saint Phanourius. the messengers returned from the church, all those who had been blind and paralyzed were healed. The priests joyfully returned to Crete, carrying with them a copy of the icon of Saint Phanourius. Every year they celebrated the Feast of Saint Phanourius with deep gratitude for their miraculous deliverance. Rhodes; knights of Rhodes; St Phanourius, Commemorated on August 27 ; know nothing for certain about the background of Saint Phanourius, nor exactly when he lived. Tradition says that when the island of Rhodes had been conquered by Moslems, the new ruler of the island wished to rebuild the walls of the city, which had been damaged in previous wars. Several ruined buildings were near the fortress, and stone from these buildings was used to repair the walls at the end of the fifteenth century, or the beginning of the sixteenth. working on the fortress, the Moslems uncovered the ruins of a beautiful church. Several icons, most of them badly damaged, were found on the floor. One icon, of Saint Phanourius, looked as if it had been painted that very day. The local bishop, whose name was Nilus, was called to see the icon. It said, “Saint Phanourius.” saint is depicted as a young soldier holding a cross in his right hand. On the upper part of the cross is a lighted taper. Twelve scenes from his life are shown around the border of the icon. These scenes show him being questioned by an official, being beaten with stones by soldiers, stretched out on the ground while soldiers whip him, then having his sides raked with iron hooks. He is also shown locked up in prison, standing before the official again, being burned with candles, tied to a rack, thrown to the wild animals, and being crushed by a large rock. The remaining scenes depict him standing before idols holding burning coals in his hands, while a demon stands by lamenting his defeat by the saint, and finally, the saint stands in the midst of a fire with his arms raised in prayer. scenes clearly revealed that the saint was a martyr. Bishop Nilus sent representatives to the Moslem ruler, asking that he be permitted to restore the church. Permission was denied, so the bishop went to Constantinople and there he obtained a decree allowing him to rebuild the church. that time, there was no Orthodox bishop on the island of Crete. Since Crete was under the control of Venice, there was a Latin bishop. The Venetians refused to allow a successor to be consecrated when an Orthodox bishop died, or for new priests to be ordained, hoping that in time they would be able to convert the Orthodox population to Catholicism. Those seeking ordination were obliged to go to the island of Kythera. so happened that three young deacons had traveled from Crete to Kythera to be ordained to the holy priesthood. On their way back, they were captured at sea by Moslems who brought them to Rhodes to be sold as slaves. Lamenting their fate, the three new priests wept day and night. in Rhodes the priests heard of the miracles performed by the holy Great Martyr Phanourius. They began to pray to him with tears, asking to be freed from their captivity. Each of the three had been sold to a different master, and so remained unaware of what the others were doing. the mercy of God, each of the priests was allowed by his master to pray at the restored church of Saint Phanourius. All three arrived at the same time and prostrated themselves before the icon of the saint, asking to be delivered from the hands of the Hagarenes (Moslems, descendents of Hagar). Somewhat consoled, the priests left the church and returned to their masters. night Saint Phanourius appeared to the three masters and ordered them to set the priests free so that they could serve the Church, or he would punish them. The Moslems ignored the saint’s warning, believing the vision to be the result of sorcery. The cruel masters bound the priests with chains and treated them even worse than before. Saint Phanourius went to the priests and freed them from their shackles, promising that they would be freed the next day. Appearing once more to the Moslems, the holy martyr told them severely, “If you do not release your slaves by tomorrow, you shall witness the power of God!” next morning, all the inhabitants of the homes where the priests were held awoke to find themselves blind, paralyzed, and in great pain. They considered what they were to do, and so decided to send for the priests. When the three priests arrived, they asked them whether they could heal them. The priests replied, “We will pray to God. May His will be done!” more Saint Phanourius appeared to the Hagarenes, ordering them to send to the church a document granting the priests their freedom. He told them that if they refused to do this, they would never recover their sight or health. All three masters wrote letters releasing the priests, and sent the documents to the church, where they were placed before the icon of Saint Phanourius. the messengers returned from the church, all those who had been blind and paralyzed were healed. The priests joyfully returned to Crete, carrying with them a copy of the icon of Saint Phanourius. Every year they celebrated the Feast of Saint Phanourius with deep gratitude for their miraculous deliverance. saint’s name sounds similar to the Greek verb “phanerono,” which means “to reveal” or “to disclose.” For this reason, people pray to Saint Phanourius to help them find lost objects. When the object is recovered, they bake a sweet bread and share it with the poor, offering prayers for the salvation of saint’s mother. Her name is not known, but according to tradition, she was a sinful woman during her life. Saint Phanourius has promised to help those who pray for his mother in this way. St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; Translation of the Filersk Icon of the Mother of God; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Commemorated on May 9

Constantinople, 1500-1599, 16th Century Folder, Ottoman E., Suleiman the Magnificent

Constantinople, 1501, Philotheus oKaryes, Athos (the capital of the Holy Mountain), Nectarius' Spiritual father, gift oClairvoyance
Greece, 1500, Philotheus oKaryes, Athos (the capital of the Holy Mountain), Nectarius' Spiritual father, gift oClairvoyance; Kayes; Venerable Philotheus of Karyes of Mt Athos, Commemorated December 5 ; Philotheus of Karyes lived an ascetic life on Athos in the cell of Iagari near Karyes. was the Spiritual Father of Saint Nectarius. of the purity of his life, he was granted the gift of clairvoyance.

Constantinople, 1501, Nectarius oBitolya, Macedonia, Center of K Triangle, Capital o1st Bulgarian Empire, relics wonderful fragrance
Greece, 1500, Nectarius oBitolya, Macedonia, Center of K Triangle (Pelagonia Valley) Capital of First Bulgarian Empire, raised by father, a monk at Cosmas&Damian Monastery iB, tonsured aMt Athos under Philotheus&Dionysius, exceptional bodily afflictions like Job, died 1500, relics uncovered 1504 wonderous fragrance; Bitolya ; Venerable and Mt Athos, Commemorated December 5 ; Nectarius of Mount Athos was raised by his father, became a monk at the monastery of the holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian in Bitolya (Bulgaria). himself was tonsured on Mount Athos, and performed his obedience under experienced spiritual guides, Saint Philotheus and the Elder Dionysius. Job, the monk experienced exceptional bodily afflictions, he peacefully gave up his soul to the Lord on December 5, 1500. holy relics of the saint were uncovered four years later, exuding a wondrous fragrance.

Constantinople, 1510-1570, Dionysius, Dionysios M, cross shone over Crib, ascetic life, strict fast, spiritual heights, mMiracls
Greece, 1510-1570, Dionysius oAgios Dionysios Monastery, Olympus, cross shone over his crib, fond reading spirital books, monk after parents died, tMeteora, tAthos, pious Elder Seraphim, ascetic life, strict fast, passion week only chestnuts, deacon then priest, exhaulted life became known, monks came, & lawless people into salvation, robber by his kind wise words, Philotheou m monks asked, but not enough votes, dissensions arose, withdrew, tVerria, later tOlympus to avoid being bishop, zealous fMonasticism to him, built cells for them and Church, fasting&Prayer, spiritual heights, many miracles, through prayers Lord punished iniquitious people opressing monks, severe drought and hail for Turk holdings who had expelled monks destroyed m, impudent maiden devil assault, then all healing deliverance through D's prayers, D compiled monastic life rule, built monastery for Prophet Elias 1542, 16th Century, advanced age; Agios Dionysios Monastery, Olympus; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated on January 24; Dionysius of Olympus was born into a family of poor parents in the village of Platina. he was an infant, the Cross shone over his crib. of prayer and reading spiritual books from his youth, Saint Dionysius decided to become a monk after the death of his parents. this aim he went to Meteora, and then to Mount Athos. he lived with a pious Elder, the priest Seraphim, and under his guidance he began to lead an ascetic life, keeping a strict fast. Passion Week he went into the forest, and ate only chestnuts. he was ordained deacon, and then priest. exalted life of Saint Dionysius became known, and many monks came to hear his edifying words. also guided many lawless people onto the path of salvation, whom was a robber who intended to rob the saint’s cell, but was moved to repentance by the Elder’s kind and wise words. brethren of the Philotheou monastery lost their igumen and asked Saint Dionysius to be their head. he did not receive enough votes, and dissensions arose. peace and love most of all, Saint Dionysius withdrew and went to Verria. he fled to Mount Olympus in order to avoid being consecrated as a bishop. those zealous for monasticism began to flock to him. built cells for them and also a church and they spent their time in fasting and prayer. attained the spiritual heights, he worked many miracles. through the prayers of the saint, the Lord punished iniquitous people who oppressed the monks of Olympus or broke the commandments of Christ. holdings of a Turk who had expelled the monks and wrecked their monastery were destroyed by severe drought and by hail. cattle of a herdsman who had oppressed the monastery were stricken with disease and sickness; of her impudence, a maiden from one of the villages was subjected to an assault of the devil. all received healing and deliverance from misfortune through the prayers of Saint Dionysius, after being led to penitence by his lack of malice. saint compiled a Rule for monastic life, was an example of monastic activity. built a church on Olympus, and also a monastery dedicated to the Prophet Elias. left the brethren his final testament about the monastic life based on the Rule of the Holy Mountain. Dionysius died in the sixteenth century at an advanced age, and was buried on Olympus, in the church portico of the monastery he founded.

Constantinople, 1512-1520, Selim I, Ottoman Sultan, Calif, e expansion, including Egypt Mamluk's, guardian p routes
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1512-1520, Selim I, Islam Calif; I (10 October 1470 - 22 September 1520), known as Selim the Grim or Selim the Resolute[3], was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1512 to 1520.[4] lasting only eight years, his reign is notable for the enormous expansion of the Empire, particularly his conquest between 1516 and 1517 of the entire Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt, which included all of the Levant, Hejaz, Tihamah, and Egypt itself. the eve of his death in 1520, the Ottoman Empire spanned about 576,900 sq mi (1,494,000 km2), having grown by seventy percent during Selim's reign.[4] conquest of the Middle Eastern heartlands of the Muslim world, and particularly his assumption of the role of guardian of the pilgrimage routes to Mecca and Medina, established the Ottoman Empire as the most prestigious of all Muslim states. conquests dramatically shifted the empire's geographical and cultural center of gravity away from the Balkans and toward the Middle East. the eighteenth century, Selim's conquest of the Mamluk Sultanate had come to be romanticized as the moment when the Ottomans seized leadership over the rest of the Muslim world, and consequently Selim is popularly remembered as the first legitimate Ottoman Caliph, although stories of an official transfer of the caliphal office from the Mamluk Abbasid dynasty to the Ottomans were a later invention.[5] Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 19; St Stephen Stiljianovitch of Serbia, Commemorated on October 4; Monkmartyr James of Prodromou on Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 1 ; St Maximus the New, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated on January 24; New Martyr John the New of Epirus, Commemorated on April 18; New Martyr John the New of Epirus, Commemorated on April 18; Greatmartyr George the New at Sofia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 26;

Constantinople, 1512-1520, George oSofia, Bulgaria, childless p, turk fez, large fire for him, heavy rain, bright light, relics
Bulgaria, 1512-1520, George of Sofia, Bulgaria (at the foot of Mt Vitosha, Iskar River 1)), childless parents prayed for him, turks put fez on head, boldly confessed, rods but persevered, large fire to burn him, heavy rain, bright light, holy relics Sofia, occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula ; Saint George, New Martyr of Sofia, Commemorated on February 11; Holy Martyr George the New was born into an illustrious Bulgarian family, living in the capital city of Bulgaria, Sredets (now the city of Sofia). George’s childless parents, John and Mary, in their declining years entreated the Lord to send them a child. Their prayer was answered, and they baptized the infant with the name of the holy Great Martyr George (April 23). George received a fine upbringing, he attentively studied the Holy Scriptures, and he was pious and chaste. parents died when George was twenty-five. At that time Bulgaria found itself under the rule of the Turks, who forcibly converted Christians to Islam. several Moslems tried to convert George. They put a fez on the saint’s head. This is a red circular hat which Moslems wear to enter their house of prayer. But George threw the fez on the ground. The Turks brought the martyr to their governor with beatings and abuse. governor was impressed with Saint George’s appearance and bearing, and he urged him to accept Islam, promising honors and wealth from Sultan Selim (1512-1520). saint boldly and steadfastly confessed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and reproached the errors of Islam. governor in a rage gave orders to beat Saint George with rods, but the saint persevered in his confession of faith in Christ. governor ordered the tortures to be increased. The passion-bearer bore all his sufferings, calling on the Lord Jesus Christ for help. Then they led the martyr through the city to the beat of a drum and shouts: “Do not insult Mohammed nor abase the Moslem faith”. a large fire was lit in the city, to burn Saint George. Weakened by his wounds, the saint fell to the ground. They threw him into the fire still alive, and they threw corpses of dogs on top of him so that Christians would not be able to find the relics of the martyr. a heavy rain fell and extinguished the fire. With the onset of darkness, the place where the body of the martyr was thrown was illumined with a bright light. They gave permission to a certain Christian priest to take the venerable relics of the martyr for burial. Informed about the occurrence, Metropolitan Jeremiah and his clergy went to the place of execution. In the ashes of the fire they located the body of the holy Martyr George and carried it to the church of Saint George the Great Martyr in the city of Sredets. May 26, 1515 the holy relics of Saint George were removed from the grave, placed in a coffin, and then brought into the church, where they have remained ever since. The Church honors Saint George twice during the year: on February 11, the day of his martyrdom, and on May 26, the uncovering of his holy relics.

Constantinople, 1515-1546, Elena, wife o S Stiljianovitch, fled tGermany, back after grave light, became monastic, b monastery
Serbia, 1515-1546, Princess Elena, wife of Saint Stephen Stiljianovitch, whose Light from his grave attracts Turks, fled to Germany, came back after grave light incorrupption discovered, became monastic, founded monastery; Saint Elena of Serbia, Commemorated on October 4; Elena was the wife of the Despot Stephen Štiljanović who is also venerated as a Saint. After his death around 1515, she fled to Germany in order to escape from the Turks. a light appeared at his grave by night, which led to the discovery of his holy relics. Saint's body was kept for a long time in the monastery of Šišatovacnto at Fruška Gora. she learned that her husband's incorrupt relics had been uncovered, Saint Elena went to the monastery to venerate them. witnessing the miracles which took place at his grave, she decided to remain there with the monastic name Jelisaveta. to Tradition, she founded the Monastery of Petkovica in 1522. a life of asceticism, Saint Elena reposed in 1546. is reason to believe that she was buried at the Convent of the Most Holy Theotokos in Sremski Karlovci. Serbia, 1515, Saint Stephen Stiljianovitch, Light from his grave attracts Turks; Stephen Stiljianovich of Serbia was born into a pious Christian family in the Serbian city of Zhupa (south of Zakholmya). During this time Serbia was often subjected to invasions by the Turks, who devastated the land. Saint Stephen defended his native land, did military service in the army of the Serbian ruler. When famine began in the country, the kindly Saint Stephen distributed his own bread to the hungry. patriotic activity of the saintly soldier was indissolubly bound up with his truly Christian life. œIn virtue, he lived as an ascetic with charity, purity, prayer, the Orthodox Faith and unhypocritical love of neighbor. saint fell asleep in the Lord on October 4, 1515. After a time, the Turks saw a light shining over his grave. Thinking that they had found a hidden treasure, they opened the grave and found the incorrupt body of Saint Stephen. Serbian monks ransomed the relics from the Turkish Pasha and transferred them to the Shishatovets monastery on Mount Phrushtsk. Serbian Church prays to him as a glorious righteous defender of his native land, œGlory in the struggles, warrior Stephen Stiljianovich, great healer of those who pray to you in faith.

Constantinople, 1520,James of Prodromou &Docheiariou m, Heavenly Revelations, Clairvoyant, miracles gift, false Turk charges
Greece, Mt Athos, 1520,James of Prodromou &Docheiariou monesteries, Mt Athos, tonsured at D, tSkete St John, restored it, Heavenly Revelations, mansions oParadise, depths oHades, perceive hearts & secret thoughts, Clairvoyant, miracles gift, healed&instructed iAetolia, false Turk charges, confessed Christ, severe torments 17days, relics Anastasia m, Galatista, Thess; Docheiariou monastery; Monkmartyr James of Prodromou on Mt Athos, Commemorated November 1 ; James was tonsured at Docheiariou monastery on Mount Athos. Moving to the neglected Georgian Skete of Saint John the Baptist, he restored it under the supervision of Elder Ignatius. various obediences in the monastery, Saint James ascended to the heights of purity. was granted heavenly revelations, as was the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 12:2-4), the Saint also beheld the mansions of Paradise and the depths of Hades. God's grace, Saint James was able to perceive the mysteries of human hearts, and the secret thoughts of those who came to him. was also found worthy of the gift of performing miracles. visiting Aetolia with his disciples, he healed the sick and instructed all. Turkish authorities fabricated false charges against the Saint, accusing him of fomenting rebellion. In this manner, they tried to force Saint James into renouncing Orthodoxy. James and both of his disciples, Deacon James and the Monk Dionysios, endured the most severe torments for seventeen days, receiving the crown of martyrdom on November 1, 1520. relics of the Monastic Martyrs, glorified by miracles, were placed in the monastery of Saint Anastasia, the Deliverer from Potions, in the small town of Galatista, near Thessaloniki. a short time, the fame of the holy relics attracted about 100 brethren to the monastery under the Igoumen Saint Theonas (April 4), who was himself a disciple of Saint James.

Constantinople, 1520-1566, Suleiman the Magnificent, Ottoman Empire, Sultan, Islam Calif, Lawgiver, apex of power
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1520-1566, Suleiman the Magnificent, Islam Calif ; I (6 November 1494 – 6 September 1566), commonly known as Suleiman the Magnificent in the West and Suleiman the Lawgiver in his realm, was the tenth and longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 until his death in 1566.[2]:541–45 Under his administration, the Ottoman caliphate ruled over at least 25 million people. succeeded his father as sultan in September 1520 and began his reign with campaigns against the Christian powers in central Europe and the Mediterranean. fell to him in 1521 and the island of Rhodes in 1522–23. At Mohács, in August 1526, Suleiman broke the military strength of Hungary. became a prominent monarch of 16th-century Europe, presiding over the apex of the Ottoman Empire's economic, military and political power. Suleiman personally led Ottoman armies in conquering the Christian strongholds of Belgrade and Rhodes as well as most of Hungary before his conquests were checked at the Siege of Vienna in 1529. annexed much of the Middle East in his conflict with the Safavids and large areas of North Africa as far west as Algeria. Under his rule, the Ottoman fleet dominated the seas from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and through the Persian Gulf.[3]:61 the helm of an expanding empire, Suleiman personally instituted major judicial changes relating to society, education, taxation and criminal law. His reforms, carried out in conjunction with the empire's chief judicial official Ebussuud Efendi, harmonized the relationship between the two forms of Ottoman law: sultanic (Kanun) and religious (Sharia).[4] was a distinguished poet and goldsmith; he also became a great patron of culture, overseeing the "Golden" age of the Ottoman Empire in its artistic, literary and architectural development.[5] with Ottoman tradition, Suleiman married Hürrem Sultan, a woman from his harem, an Orthodox Christian of Ruthenian origin who converted to Islam, and who became famous in the West by the name Roxelana, due to her red hair. son Selim II succeeded Suleiman following his death in 1566 after 46 years of rule. other potential heirs, Mehmed and Mustafa, had died; the former had died from smallpox, and the latter had been strangled to death 13 years earlier at the sultan's order. His other son Bayezid was executed in 1561 on Suleiman's orders, along with Bayezid's four sons, after a rebellion. scholars prefer "crisis and adaptation" rather than decline after his death,[6][7][8] the end of Suleiman's reign was a watershed in Ottoman history. the decades after Suleiman, the empire began to experience significant political, institutional, and economic changes, a phenomenon often referred to as the Transformation of the Ottoman Empire.[9]:11 [10] Hieromartyr Nicodemus of Meteora, Commemorated August 16 ; Venerable Gerasimus the New Ascetic of Cephalonia, Commemorated on August 16; New Martyr John the New of Epirus, Commemorated on April 18 ; Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 19; Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated September 8 ; St Bessarion, Archbishop of Larissa, Commemorated on September 15; Monkmartyr James of Prodromou on Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 1 ; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated on January 24; St Nicholas the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Philothea the Monastic, Commemorated on February 19; Monkmartyr Damian of Philotheou, Commemorated on February 23; New Martyr John the New of Epirus, Commemorated on April 18; St Basil the Bishop of Ostrog in Montenegro, Serbia, Commemorated on April 29; St Gerasimus of Boldino, Commemorated on May 1; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; Venerable Leontius the Hagiorite, Commemorated on June 18 ;

Constantinople, 1523, Euthymios oRhodes, Caria, Met of Rhodes 1523, arrested bTurks, impaled oSteak wOther clergymen& citizens
Ephesus, 1523, Euthymios of Rhodes, Island of Rhodes, Caria, Met of Rhodes 1523, arrested fConspiracy aTurks, impaled on steak wOther clergymen& leading citizens of Rhodes; Rhodes; Hieromartyr Euthymios of Rhodes, Commemorated on August 9; glorious Hieromartyr Euthymios was elected as the Metropolitan of Rhodes, when the Ottomans occupied the island in 1523. those difficult years, Euthymios shepherded his flock in a God-pleasing manner. 1529, he was arrested as the leader of a conspiracy against the Turks and was impaled on a stake along with other clergymen and leading citizens of Rhodes. Euthymios was honored as a martyr by the Christians immediately after his death. Latin Missionary Peter Fangonis, Vicar General of the Latin Archbishop Alfonso Gonzaga, states in his report to the Roman Catholic Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith the tomb of the blessed Euthymios had become the most prominent site of pilgrimage on Rhodes, that those who went there suffering from the quaternary fever "malaria," and the chills and fever that went with it, were healed.

Constantinople, 1551, Hieromartyr Nicodemus of Meteora (Plain of Thessaly, Six Monasteries, like Mt Athos), suffered in 1551
Greece, 1551, Hieromartyr Nicodemus of Meteora (Plain of Thessaly, Six Monasteries, like Mt Athos), suffered in 1551; Meteora (Like Mt Athos, Six Monasteries, Plain of Thessaly, on the Pineios River); Hieromartyr Nicodemus of Meteora, Commemorated August 16 ; Nicodemus of Meteora struggled in Thessaly, and suffered in the year 1551.

Constantinople, 1559-1602, Neophytus, Metropolitan of Constantinople, pro western to get them to Crusade
Constantinople Patriarch, 1559-1602, Metropolitan Neophytus of Constantinople; II was Patriarch of Constantinople twice, in 1602–03 and in 1607–12. Athenian, he served as Metropolitan of Athens from 1597 until 3 April 1602, when he was elected as Patriarch in the place of his rival, Matthew II. His tenure was cut short a year later, when he was deposed amid accusations of various scandals. He was initially exiled to Rhodes, and thence to Saint Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai.[1] was restored to the patriarchal throne on 15 October 1607, and held it for five years. his second tenure he took care of aligning church administrative practice and canon law with the contemporary needs, and took measures to replenish the patriarchal coffers.[1] was also in contact with Western potentates, including Pope Paul V and King Philip III of Spain, whom he urged to engage in a crusade to liberate the Orthodox Christians from the Ottoman Empire, going as far as to make considerable concessions to the doctrine of the Catholic Church, including recognizing papal primacy.[1] pro-Western policy and financial exactions made him many enemies, including Cyril Lucaris, who succeeded in securing his deposition in October 1612. Originally slated to be exiled to Rhodes again, he was protected by his successor, Timothy II, who had been his protégé.[1] Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated on September 8;

Constantinople, 1566-1574, Selim II, Sultan, Viser controlled, HRE & Rus Treaties, Don Canal war, Lepanto loss to HRE
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1566-1574, Selim II; II (30 May 1524 – 15 December 1574), also known as SarÄ± Selim (Selim the Blond) or SarhoÅŸ Selim (Selim the Drunk),[3] was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1566 until his death in 1574. was a son of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hurrem Sultan. Selim had been an unlikely candidate for the throne until his brother Mehmed died of smallpox, his half-brother Mustafa was strangled to death by the order of his father, his brother Cihangir died of grief at the news of this latter execution, and his brother Bayezid was killed on the order of his father after a rebellion against Selim. died on 15 December 1574 and was buried in Hagia Sophia. life[edit] was born in Constantinople (Istanbul), on 30 May 1524,[1] during the reign of his father Suleiman the Magnificent. His mother was Hurrem Sultan, a slave and concubine who was born an Orthodox priest's daughter in contemporary Ukraine,[4] and later was freed and became Suleiman's legal wife.[5] 1545, at Konya, Selim married[citation needed] Nurbanu Sultan, whose background is disputed. It is said that she was originally named Cecelia Venier Baffo, or Rachel, or Kale Katenou. She was the mother of Murad III, Selim's successor. Hatun, a famous poet of the sixteenth century, was a lady-in-waiting to him. ascends the throne. II gained the throne after palace intrigue and fraternal dispute, succeeding as sultan on the 7th of September 1566. Grand Vizier, Mehmed Sokollu and wife, Nurbanu Sultan, a native of what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina, controlled much of state affairs, two years after Selim's accession succeeded in concluding at Constantinople a treaty (17 February 1568) with the Habsburg Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian II, whereby the Emperor agreed to pay an annual present of 30,000 ducats and granted the Ottomans authority in Moldavia and Walachia.[citation needed] Agha (d. 1602), a friend to Selim and to the writer Mustafa Ali, was castrated so he could serve in Selim's harem. (Gazanfer's younger brother Cafer was also castrated, but did not survive.)[6] plan had been prepared in Constantinople for uniting the Volga and Don by a canal in order to counter Russian expansion toward the Ottomans' northern frontier. the summer of 1569 a large force of Janissaries and cavalry were sent to lay siege to Astrakhan and begin the canal works, while an Ottoman fleet besieged Azov. However, a sortie from the Astrakhan garrison drove back the besiegers. A Russian relief army of 15,000 attacked and scattered the workmen and the Tatar force sent for their protection. The Ottoman fleet was then destroyed by a storm. in 1570 the ambassadors of Ivan IV of Russia concluded at Istanbul a treaty that restored friendly relations between the Sultan and the Tsar.[citation needed] in the Hejaz and Yemen were more successful,[further explanation needed] the conquest of Cyprus in 1571,[7] led to the naval defeat[how?] against Spain and Italian states in the Battle of Lepanto in the same year. the historic Battle of Naupaktos or Battle of Lepanto, on 7 October 1571, the Holy League defeated the Ottoman navy decisively; the Holy League sank or destroyed 50 Ottoman ships and captured 117 galleys and 20 galliots, 30,000 Turks were lost in battle, 10,000 Turks were taken prisoners, and many thousands of Christian slaves were rescued. The Holy League lost about 7,500 men. Empire's shattered fleets were soon restored (in just six months, it consisted of about 150 galleys and eight galleasses), and the Ottomans maintained control of the eastern Mediterranean (1573). In August 1574, months before Selim's death, the Ottomans regained control of Tunis from Spain, which had captured it in 1572. is known for restoring to Mahidevran Sultan her status and her wealth. He also built the tomb of his eldest brother, Åžehzade Mustafa, who was executed in 1553. the famine of 1573, due to severe cold the farmers of that time did not provide good for the people. Selim gave people food and vegetables in the food kitchen. [8] In April 1574, a fire broke in the printing house of Topkapi Palace and burned many rooms including the cooks and maids were burned and the kitchen was also burned. [8] A few days later the captain, the Janissary, Istanbul lord and Mimar Sinan determined the location and size of the new kitchens to come to the fire. Mimar Sinan AÄŸa cleaned the fireplace of the building of the official building (design) of Üsub-ı ahar. The construction of the new MatbalÄ±- Amir, which is broader and longer than the previous one, was taken from Divan-Ä± Ali Square. [8] Selim II receiving the Safavid ambassador in the palace at Edirne in 1567. century copy of the 1569 Capitulations between Charles IX and Selim II. is introduced as a generous monarch who is fond of pleasure and entertainment in the sources of the period, who is fond of drink councils, enjoys the presence of scholars and poets around him, as well as musicians, wrestlers, and connoisseurs, who do not want to break the hearts of anyone. it is stated that he did not appear much in public, that his father often went to Friday and he went public and he neglected this and spent time in the palace.[1] St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Venerable Dionysius of Aegina, Commemorated on December 17; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated on January 24; St Nicholas the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Philothea the Monastic, Commemorated on February 19; Monkmartyr Damian of Philotheou, Commemorated on February 23; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; Venerable Leontius the Hagiorite, Commemorated on June 18 ;

Constantinople, 1567-1624, Dionysius oAegina, man murders hNobleman brother, helped escape, incrrpt r, walking saint, sandals wear out
Greece, 1567-1624, Dionysius oAegina Island (between Athens and Corinth), noble family, but fled world, tStrophada m, monk, young priestmonk, young bishop oAegina, many drawn tHim, feared praise vainglory, resigned, btZakynthos, 1579 Z diocese widowed, D temp bishop, then Anaphonitria m 20miles, man murders his Nobleman brother & flees to his monastery, confesses to him, asked protection from family, D wept then conforted murderer, great compassion &Love, his relatives come, pretended, wept wThem, sent them wrong direction, then he told murderer, brought him tRepentence, helped him excape, for christ-like virtue granted gift oMiracles, great age tDeath i1624, incorrupt rlcs plus walking saint, w about performing miracles, soles oSlippers contiinued tWear out, s cut up distributed; Aegina Island; Venerable Dionysius of Aegina, Commemorated December 17 ; Dionysius of Zakynthos, the Bishop of Aegina born in 1547 on the island of Zakynthos. born into a noble family, he was determined to flee the world and set his mind upon heavenly things. entered the monastery of Strophada, and after the prescribed time, he was clothed in the angelic schema by the abbot. young in years, he surpassed many of his elders in virtue, and was found worthy of ordination to the holy priesthood. he protested his unworthiness, Saint Dionysius was consecrated Bishop of Aegina. that office he never ceased to teach and admonish his flock, and many were drawn to him in order to profit from his wisdom. feared the praise of men, lest he should fall into the sin of vainglory, so he resigned his See and returned to Zakynthos. 1579 the diocese of Zakynthos was widowed a bishop dies, his diocese is described as “widowed”), Dionysius agreed to care for it until a new bishop could be elected. he fled from the worldly life which gave him no peace, and went to the Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos Anaphonitria, twenty miles from the main village. certain stranger murdered the saint’s brother Constantine, an illustrious nobleman. his victim’s relatives, the stranger, by chance or by God’s will, sought refuge in the monastery where Saint Dionysius was the abbot. the saint asked the fugitive why he was so frightened, he confessed his sin and revealed the name of the man he had murdered, asking to be protected from the family’s vengeance. Dionysius wept for his only brother, as was natural. he comforted the murderer and hid him, showing him great compassion and love. the saint’s relatives came to the monastery with a group of armed men and told him what had happened. pretended to know nothing about it. After weeping with them and trying to console them, he sent them off in the wrong direction. he told the murderer that he was the brother of the man he had killed. He admonished him as a father, and brought him to repentance. After forgiving him, Saint Dionysius brought him down to the shore and helped him to escape to another place in order to save his life. of the saint’s Christ-like virtue, he was granted the gift of working miracles. passed his life in holiness, Saint Dionysius reached a great age, then departed to the Lord on December 17, 1624. only are the saint’s relics incorrupt, but he is also one of Greece’s “walking saints” (Saint Gerasimus and Saint Spyridon are the others). is said to leave his reliquary and walk about performing miracles for those who seek his aid. In fact, the soles of his slippers wear out and must be replaced with a new pair from time to time. old slippers are cut up, and the pieces are distributed to pilgims. August 24, we celebrate the Transfer of his Holy Relics. Through the prayers of Saint Dionysius, may Christ our God have mercy upon us and save us.

Constantinople, 1568, Damian of Philotheou monastery, Mt Athos, Dometius' disciple, voice telling him to teach in Greece
Greece, Mt Athos, 1568, Damian of Philotheou monastery, Mt Athos, Dometius' disciple, voice telling him to teach in Greece, repent of sins, arrested by Turks, prison, tortured, hanged, burned; Philotheou monastery; Monkmartyr Damian of Philotheou, Commemorated February 23 ; Damian of Philotheou was a disciple of Saint Dometius (August 7). was from the village of Richovon (Merichovon) near Agrapha. went to Mt. Athos when he was quite young, and received the monastic tonsure at Philotheou Monastery. After spending some time there, he withdrew to a hermitage under the guidance of an Elder named Dometius. three years, he heard a voice telling him to go forth and teach. He obeyed these instructions, preaching in many areas of Greece. He urged his fellow Christians to repent of their sins, to abstain from all vices, to obey God’s commandments, and to devote themselves to God-pleasing works. he was on his way to a village, Saint Damian was arrested by the Turks and thrown into prison. After fifteen days of torture, he was hanged and then thrown into a fire. Saint Damian received the crown of martyrdom on February 23, 1568.

Constantinople, 1568, Dometius oPhilotheou monastery, Mt Athos, persued silence, wDamien, cruel Turk tortures
Greece, Mt Athos, 1568, Philotheou monastery, Mt Athos, persued silence, wDamien, cruel Turk tortures; Philotheou monastery; Venerable Dometius of Philotheou, Mount Athos, Commemorated on August 7; Dometius was an Athonite Elder. pursued silence at the Philotheou monastery together with the Hieromartyr Damian of Philotheou (February 23), suffered under cruel tortures by the Turks in the year 1568.

Constantinople, 1574-1595, Murad III, Ottoman Empire, Sultan , strangled 5 brothers, wars 2 fronts, financial stress
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1574-1595, Murad III; III (4 July 1546 – 16 January 1595) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1574 until his death in 1595. life[edit] in Manisa on 4 July 1546,[1] Åžehzade Murad was the oldest son of Åžehzade Selim and his powerful wife Nurbanu Sultan. He received a good education and learned Arabic and Persian language. After his ceremonial circumcision in 1557, Murad's grandfather, the Sultan Suleiman I, appointed him sancakbeyi (governor) of AkÅŸehir in 1558. the age of 18 he was appointed sancakbeyi of Saruhan. Suleiman died (1566) when Murad was 20, and his father became the new sultan, Selim II. Selim II broke with tradition by sending only his oldest son out of the palace to govern a province, assigning Murad to Manisa.[2]:21–22 died in 1574 and was succeeded by Murad, who began his reign by having his five younger brothers strangled.[3] authority was undermined by harem influences – more specifically, those of his mother and later of his favorite wife Safiye Sultan, often to the detriment of Sokollu Mehmed Pasha's influence on the court.[4] Selim II power had only been maintained by the genius of the powerful Grand Vizier, Mehmed Sokollu, who remained in office until his assassination in October 1579. Murad's reign the northern borders with the Habsburg Monarchy were defended by the Bosnian governor Hasan PredojeviÄ‡. The reign of Murad III was marked by exhausting wars on the empire's western and eastern fronts. The Ottomans also suffered defeats in battles such as the Battle of Sisak. with the Safavids[edit] Ottoman Empire reached its greatest extent in the Middle East under Murad III. Ottomans had been at peace with the neighbouring rivaling Safavid Empire since 1555, per the Treaty of Amasya, that for some time had settled border disputes. in 1577 Murad declared war, starting the Ottoman–Safavid War (1578–90), seeking to take advantage of the chaos in the Safavid court after the death of Shah Tahmasp I. also tried to explore North America and make the ideas of colonizing America be more possible. However, he later abandoned all of these ideas after the Spanish navy responded by a naval attack on the Ottoman ships trying to explore North America.[citation needed] was influenced by viziers Lala Kara Mustafa Pasha and Sinan Pasha and disregarded the opposing counsel of Grand Vizier Sokollu. Murad also fought the Safavids which would drag on for 12 years, ending with the Treaty of Constantinople (1590), which resulted in temporary significant territorial gains for the Ottomans.[2]:198–199 Affairs[edit] reign was a time of financial stress for the Ottoman state. To keep up with changing military techniques, the Ottomans trained infantrymen in the use of firearms, paying them directly from the treasury. By 1580 an influx of silver from the New World had caused high inflation and social unrest, especially among Janissaries and government officials who were paid in debased currency. from the resulting rebellions, coupled with the pressure of over-population, was especially felt in Anatolia.[2]:24 Competition for positions within the government grew fierce, leading to bribery and corruption. and Habsburg sources accuse Murad himself of accepting enormous bribes, including 20,000 ducats from a statesman in exchange for the governorship of Tripoli and Tunisia, thus outbidding a rival who had tried bribing the Grand Vizier.[2]:35 his period, excessive inflation was experienced, the value of silver money was constantly played, food prices increased. 400 dirhams should be cut from 600 dirhams of silver, while 800 was cut, which meant 100 percent inflation. For the same reason, the purchasing power of wage earners was halved, and the consequence was an uprising. [5] Pact[edit] envoys and letters were exchanged between Elizabeth I and Sultan Murad III.[6]:39 In one correspondence, Murad entertained the notion that Islam and Protestantism had "much more in common than either did with Roman Catholicism, as both rejected the worship of idols", and argued for an alliance between England and the Ottoman Empire.[6]:40 To the dismay of Catholic Europe, England exported tin and lead (for cannon-casting) and ammunition from the Ottoman Empire, and Elizabeth seriously discussed joint military operations with Murad III during the outbreak of war with Spain in 1585, as Francis Walsingham was lobbying for a direct Ottoman military involvement against the common Spanish enemy.[6]:41 This diplomacy would be continued under Murad's successor Mehmed III, by both the sultan and Safiye Sultan alike. life[edit] the example of his father Selim II, Murad was the second Ottoman sultan who never went on campaign during his reign, instead spending it entirely in Constantinople. During the final years of his reign, he did not even leave TopkapÄ± Palace. For two consecutive years he did not attend the Friday procession to the imperial mosque—an unprecedented breaking of custom. The Ottoman historian Mustafa Selaniki wrote that whenever Murad planned to go out to Friday prayer, he changed his mind after hearing of alleged plots by the Janissaries to dethrone him once he left the palace.[7] Murad withdrew from his subjects and spent the majority of his reign keeping to the company of few people and abiding by a daily routine structured by the five daily Islamic prayers. Murad's personal physician Domenico Hierosolimitano described a typical day in the life of the sultan: the morning he rises at dawn to say his prayer for half an hour, then for another half-hour he writes. Then he is given something pleasant as a collation, and afterwards sets himself to read for another hour. Then he begins to give audience to the members of the Divan on the four days of the week that this occurs, as had been said above. Then he goes for a walk through the garden, taking pleasure in the delight of fountains and animals for another hour, taking with him the dwarves, buffoons and others to entertain him. Then he goes back once again to studying until he considers the time for lunch has arrived. He stays at table only half an hour, and rises (to go) once again into the garden for as long as he pleases. Then he goes to say his midday prayer. Then he stops to pass the time and amuse himself with the women, and he will stay one or two hours with them, when it is time to say the evening prayer. Then he returns to his apartments or, if it pleases him more, he stays in the garden reading or passing the time until evening with the dwarfs and buffoons, and then he returns to say his prayers, that is at nightfall. Then he dines and takes more time over dinner than over lunch, making conversation until two hours after dark, until it is time for prayer [...] He never fails to observe this schedule every day.[2]:29–30 sedentary lifestyle and lack of participation in military campaigns earned him the disapproval of Mustafa Âlî and Mustafa Selaniki, the major Ottoman historians who lived during his reign. Their negative portrayals of Murad influenced later historians.[2]:17–19 Both historians also accused Murad of sexual excess. St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Venerable Dionysius of Aegina, Commemorated on December 17; Venerable Dionysius of Olympus, Commemorated on January 24; St Nicholas the Catholicos of Georgia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Philothea the Monastic, Commemorated on February 19; New Martyr John Kalphes, the Apprentice, Commemorated on February 26;

Constantinople, 1580-1662, Athanasius III, St. Athanasius oLubensk, P oConstantinople, Muldovia, Thessalonica, Great Story
Constantinople, 1580-1662, Athanasius III, St. Athanasius oLubensk, Patriarch oConstantinople, Wonderworker, from Crete, from pious Greek family, wealthy but wanted asceticism, novice Thess M, trapeza at Esphigmenou, tonsured palestinian Ms, returned, presbyter aThss, Gospel to Vlachs & Moldovians & translated Psalter, tConstantinople tPreachby Cyril, bishop aThss, Cyril slandered, tC as Metro, struggle a heratics, Moslems, Jesuits; deposed a 40days, Cyril returned, tAthos, returned&deposed iYr, Thss&Athos, 1633-45 alms petitions to Moscow, tGa1lats aMoldova, 1652 returned C Patriarch 15days, but sermon denouncing Catholics' universal jurisdiction, tGalats Moldovia, tRussian Tzar&Patriarch iMoscow, great alms but ill on way back and died in Lubensk, Ukraine.; Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; Athanasius III Patelarios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Wonderworker of Lubensk, in the world Alexis, born in 1560 on the island of Crete, into the pious Greek family Patelarios. his education and position in society, Alexis was attracted by the life of Christian ascetics. his father’s death, he became a novice in one of the monasteries of Thessalonica with the name Ananias. there, he later went to the monastery of Esphigmenou on Mt. Athos, where he fulfilled his obedience in the trapeza (dining area). Athos he journeyed to the Palestinian monasteries, and he was tonsured with the name Athanasius. his return to Thessalonica he was ordained presbyter spread the Gospel of Christ among the Vlachs and the Moldovians, for whom he translated the PSALTER from the Greek. the saint went to Mt. Athos for solitude, and to ask God’s blessing on his pastoral work. holiness of his life attracted many Christians who wished to see a true preacher of the Orthodox Faith. his remarkable abilities and spiritual gifts he attracted the attention of the Patriarch of Constantinople, Cyril I (Lukaris) (1621-1623). the ascetic, Patriarch Cyril appointed him a preacher of the Patriarchal throne. Saint Athanasius was consecrated bishop and became Metropolitan of Thessalonica. this time Patriarch Cyril was slandered before the sultan and imprisoned on the island of Tenedos. Athanasius assumed the Patriarchal throne on March 25, 1634, on the day of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. Athanasius led an incessant struggle against heretics, Jesuits, and Moslems. only forty days on the Patriarchal throne, he was deposed through the intrigues of the enemies of Orthodoxy, and Cyril I was returned. saint went to Athos, where for a certain time he pursued asceticism in solitude. he became Patriarch again, but was deposed after a year. this, he returned to Thessalonica and renewed his connections with the Holy Mountain. view of the intolerable persecution of Christians by the Moslems, Saint Athanasius was repeatedly (from 1633 to 1643) obliged to send petitions to the Russian tsar Michael (1613-1645) seeking alms for the hapless Church of Constantinople. living at Thessalonica became impossible for the saint, he was forced to journey to Moldavia under the protection of its sovereign, Basil Lukulos, he settled there in the monastery of Saint Nicholas near Galats, he longed for Mount Athos. He visited it often and hoped to finish his life there, but God ordained something else for him. 1652 after the death of Patriarch Cyril I, Saint Athanasius was returned to the patriarchal throne. remained only fifteen days, since he was not acceptable to the Moslems and Catholics. his final Patriarchal service he preached a sermon in which he denounced papal pretensions to universal jurisdiction over the whole Church. by the Moslems and Jesuits, physically weakened, he transferred the administration of the Church of Constantinople to Metropolitan Paisius of Laureia, he withdrew to Moldavia, where he was appointed administrator of the monastery of Saint Nicholas at Galats. the deep faith and responsiveness of the Russian nation, Saint Athanasius undertook a journey to Russia. April 1653 he was met with great honor in Moscow by Patriarch Nikon (1652-1658) and Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich. received generous alms for the needs of the monastery, Patriarch Athanasius left for Galats in December 1653. the way he fell ill and stayed at the Transfiguration Mgarsk monastery in the city of Lubno in February 1654. his impending death, the saint wrote his last will, and he fell asleep in the Lord on April 5. Petronios and the brethren of the monastery buried the Patriarch. Greek custom the saint was buried in a sitting position. February 1, 1662 Saint Athanasius was glorified as a saint and his Feastday was designated as May 2, the Feast of Saint Athanasius the Great. relics of holy Patriarch Athansios, glorified by numerous miracles and signs, rest in the city of Kharkov, in the Annunciation cathedral church. At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch.

Constantinople, 1580-1662, WWorking Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon, always w Athanasius III
Constantinople, 1634-1652, Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon, very ancient, always w Athanasios III, after him to Vatopedi till 1849, tRussian Andrew Skete, tSloboda i1863 w Paisios, 18yr old speech healed by touching her lips, list of icon's miracles at Slobodsky, church for tIcon built aVyatka 1871-82, gilded riza added 1866, miraculous copy St Petersburg 1890. ; Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on November 19; exact origin of the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God is unknown, but the lettering on the Icon indicates that it is very ancient. is a tradition that the Icon belonged to the holy Patriarch Athanasios III of Constantinople (May 2). This Icon accompanied him in all his travels, and so he brought the Icon to Russia with him in the year 1653. the repose of Saint Athanasios in 1654, the Icon was brought to the Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, remaining there until October 11,1849, when the Russian Skete of Saint Andrew was founded. Gregory, who was living alone at Vatopedi, gave the Icon to the newly-founded Skete as a blessing from his monastery. The Icon was kept in the cell of Hieroschema-monk Bessarion (Vavilov), the founder of the Skete. Father Bessarion blessed the brotherhood with the Icon saying, “May this icon bring you joy, and console you in afflictions and sorrows.” glorification of the Icon took place in Russia, in 1863, when Hieromonk Paisios arrived in the town of Sloboda (Vyatka Province) from Mount Athos, bringing with him the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God. image was decorated with rich silver and a gilded riza. Father Paisios placed the Icon in the women’s Monastery of the Nativity of the Lord, in the church of the Nativity. Father Paisios was about to return to the Holy Mountain, the eighteen-year-old son of a local priest, Father Vladimir Nevolin, who had been unable to speak for six years, was healed by the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. a Moleben, he touched her lips and began to speak. After this, people began to make pilgrimages to the Icon, and many suffering pilgrims received healing and comfort in their sorrows from the holy Icon in those days. holy Icon was transferred to the women’s Monastery of the Transfiguration in the city of Vyatka with great reverence. Slobodsky, an exact list of the Icon’s miracles was compiled by the same eighteen-year old young man who had been healed. spiritual uplifting of the inhabitants of Vyatka was so great that on the eve of a Great Cross procession, the “Vyatka Provincial Gazette” compared the religious fervor to that when the holy Icon from Mount Athos first arrived. Father Paisios was leaving for Mount Athos, he left the list of the Icon’s miracles at the Monastery of the Transfiguration. Vyatka, on June 26, 1871, the foundation of a church in honor of the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon was laid. It was built over a period of eleven years. August 31, 1882, on the Feast of the Placing of the Honorable Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Appolos consecrated the church, and every Saturday an Akathist was read before the Icon. two years, in remembrance of the holy Icon’s stay in the Vyatka region and the miraculous healings which took place, solemn processions were held throughout the entire diocese. November 19, 1866 at Sloboda’s Monastery of the Nativity of the Lord, a gilded riza was added to the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God from Mount Athos; in remembrance of the Icon’s first healing (of the young man who could not speak), a particularly solemn service took place in the monastery. That day was established as the Feast Day of the wonderworking Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. March 27, 1890, an exact copy of the Icon was delivered to Russia and placed in the Annunciation Cathedral at St. Petersburg, the representation church of Saint Andrew’s Skete on Mount Athos. and night, crowds of people came to venerate the wonderworking Icon. the grace of God, this icon of the Mother of God was also glorified by numerous miracles. the Icon is at the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in St. Petersburg, and a list of miracles is with the holy Icons in the suburban Cathedral of Saint Katherine. 1999, the altar of one of the churches of the former Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the town of Sloboda was consecrated in honor of the wonderworking Icon. the Aleksievo-Akatov women’s monastery in Voronezh, there is also a list of the Athos shrine, which says: “This icon was painted and blessed on the Holy Mountain in the Russian Monastery of Saint John Chrysostom under the rector Hieroschema-monk Cyril in 1905.” The Icon was restored in 1999. “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon is in the form of a triptych. In addition to the Most Holy Theotokos, the following saints are depicted: The Great Martyrs George and Demetrios of Thessaloniki on horseback; Saint John the Forerunner and Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, the monastic saints Anthony, Euthymios, Onuphrios the Great and Savva the Sanctified; Saints Spyridon of Trimythontos and Nicholas the Wonderworker. The Icon is adorned with several rizas, one of which is gold. the Feast Day of the Icon is on November 19, it does not have its own Service; so the Troparion, Kontakion, and Akathist for the Assuage my Sorrows Icon (January 25 and October 9) are also used for this Icon. Constantinople, 1580-1662, Athanasius III, St. Athanasius oLubensk, Patriarch oConstantinople, Wonderworker, from Crete, from pious Greek family, wealthy but wanted asceticism, novice Thess M, trapeza at Esphigmenou, tonsured palestinian Ms, returned, presbyter aThss, Gospel to Vlachs & Moldovians & translated Psalter, tConstantinople tPreachby Cyril, bishop aThss, Cyril slandered, tC as Metro, struggle a heratics, Moslems, Jesuits; deposed a 40days, Cyril returned, tAthos, returned&deposed iYr, Thss&Athos, 1633-45 alms petitions to Moscow, tGa1lats aMoldova, 1652 returned C Patriarch 15days, but sermon denouncing Catholics' universal jurisdiction, tGalats Moldovia, tRussian Tzar&Patriarch iMoscow, great alms but ill on way back and died in Lubensk, Ukraine.; Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; Athanasius III Patelarios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Wonderworker of Lubensk, in the world Alexis, born in 1560 on the island of Crete, into the pious Greek family Patelarios. his education and position in society, Alexis was attracted by the life of Christian ascetics. his father’s death, he became a novice in one of the monasteries of Thessalonica with the name Ananias. there, he later went to the monastery of Esphigmenou on Mt. Athos, where he fulfilled his obedience in the trapeza (dining area). Athos he journeyed to the Palestinian monasteries, and he was tonsured with the name Athanasius. his return to Thessalonica he was ordained presbyter spread the Gospel of Christ among the Vlachs and the Moldovians, for whom he translated the PSALTER from the Greek. the saint went to Mt. Athos for solitude, and to ask God’s blessing on his pastoral work. holiness of his life attracted many Christians who wished to see a true preacher of the Orthodox Faith. his remarkable abilities and spiritual gifts he attracted the attention of the Patriarch of Constantinople, Cyril I (Lukaris) (1621-1623). the ascetic, Patriarch Cyril appointed him a preacher of the Patriarchal throne. Saint Athanasius was consecrated bishop and became Metropolitan of Thessalonica. this time Patriarch Cyril was slandered before the sultan and imprisoned on the island of Tenedos. Athanasius assumed the Patriarchal throne on March 25, 1634, on the day of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. Athanasius led an incessant struggle against heretics, Jesuits, and Moslems. only forty days on the Patriarchal throne, he was deposed through the intrigues of the enemies of Orthodoxy, and Cyril I was returned. saint went to Athos, where for a certain time he pursued asceticism in solitude. he became Patriarch again, but was deposed after a year. this, he returned to Thessalonica and renewed his connections with the Holy Mountain. view of the intolerable persecution of Christians by the Moslems, Saint Athanasius was repeatedly (from 1633 to 1643) obliged to send petitions to the Russian tsar Michael (1613-1645) seeking alms for the hapless Church of Constantinople. living at Thessalonica became impossible for the saint, he was forced to journey to Moldavia under the protection of its sovereign, Basil Lukulos, he settled there in the monastery of Saint Nicholas near Galats, he longed for Mount Athos. He visited it often and hoped to finish his life there, but God ordained something else for him. 1652 after the death of Patriarch Cyril I, Saint Athanasius was returned to the patriarchal throne. remained only fifteen days, since he was not acceptable to the Moslems and Catholics. his final Patriarchal service he preached a sermon in which he denounced papal pretensions to universal jurisdiction over the whole Church. by the Moslems and Jesuits, physically weakened, he transferred the administration of the Church of Constantinople to Metropolitan Paisius of Laureia, he withdrew to Moldavia, where he was appointed administrator of the monastery of Saint Nicholas at Galats. the deep faith and responsiveness of the Russian nation, Saint Athanasius undertook a journey to Russia. April 1653 he was met with great honor in Moscow by Patriarch Nikon (1652-1658) and Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich. received generous alms for the needs of the monastery, Patriarch Athanasius left for Galats in December 1653. the way he fell ill and stayed at the Transfiguration Mgarsk monastery in the city of Lubno in February 1654. his impending death, the saint wrote his last will, and he fell asleep in the Lord on April 5. Petronios and the brethren of the monastery buried the Patriarch. Greek custom the saint was buried in a sitting position. February 1, 1662 Saint Athanasius was glorified as a saint and his Feastday was designated as May 2, the Feast of Saint Athanasius the Great. relics of holy Patriarch Athansios, glorified by numerous miracles and signs, rest in the city of Kharkov, in the Annunciation cathedral church. At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch. Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch.

Slobodsky near Kirov and Vyatka Russia

Constantinople, 1595-1603, Mehmed III, Ottoman, Sultan , k 19 brothers, cruel, war Austria, a England
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1595-1603, Mehmed III ; Mehmed III ( 26 May 1566-“ 22 December 1603) was Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1595 until his death in 1603. Early life[edit] Mehmed was born at the Manisa Palace in 1566, during the reign of his great-grandfather, Suleiman the Magnificent. He was the son of Murad III, himself the son of Selim II, who was the son of Sultan Suleiman and Hurrem Sultan. His mother was Safiye Sultan, an Albanian from the Dukagjin highlands.[1] His great-grandfather died the year he was born and his grandfather became the new sultan, Selim II. His grandfather Selim II died when Mehmed was eight, and Mehmed's father, Murad III, became sultan in 1574. Murad died in 1595, when Mehmed was 28 years old. Mehmed spent most of his time in Manisa with his father Murad and mother Safiye, his first teacher Ibrahim Efendi. His circumcision took place on 29 May 1582 when he was 16 years old.[2] Reign[edit] Fratricide[edit] Upon ascending to the throne, Mehmed III ordered that all of his nineteen brothers be executed.[3][4] They were strangled by his royal executioners, many of whom were deaf, mute or 'half-witted' to ensure absolute loyalty.[5] Fratricidal successions were not unprecedented, as sultans would often have dozens of children with their concubines. Mehmed III remains notorious even in Ottoman history for his cruelty. Power struggle in Constantinople[edit] Mehmed III was an idle ruler, leaving government to his mother Safiye Sultan, the valide sultan.[6][unreliable source] His first major problem was the rivalry between two of his viziers, Serdar Ferhad Pasha and Koca Sinan Pasha, and their supporters. His mother and her son-in-law Damat Ibrahim Pasha supported Koca Sinan Pasha and prevented Mehmed III from taking control of the issue himself. The issue grew to cause major disturbances by janissaries. On 7 July 1595, Mehmed III finally sacked Serdar Ferhad Pasha from the position of Grand Vizier due to his failure in Wallachia and replaced him with Sinan.[7] Austro-Hungarian War[edit] Mehmed III accepting the surrender of Eger, 1596 The major event of his reign was the Austro-Ottoman War in Hungary (1593-“1606). Ottoman defeats in the war caused Mehmed III to take personal command of the army, the first sultan to do so since Suleiman I in 1566. Accompanied by the Sultan, the Ottomans conquered Eger in 1596. Upon hearing of the Habsburg army's approach, Mehmed wanted to dismiss the army and return to Istanbul.[8] However, the Ottomans eventually decided to face the enemy and defeated the Habsburg and Transylvanian forces at the Battle of Keresztes[9] (known in Turkish as the Battle of Hasova), during which the Sultan had to be dissuaded from fleeing the field halfway through the battle. Upon returning to Istanbul in victory, Mehmed told his viziers that he would campaign again.[10] The next year the Venetian Bailo in Istanbul noted, "the doctors declared that the Sultan cannot leave for a war on account of his bad health, produced by excesses of eating and drinking".[11][unreliable source?] In reward for his services at the war, Cigalazade Yusuf Sinan Pasha was made Grand Vizier in 1596. However, with pressure from the court and his mother, Mehmed reinstated Damat Ibrahim Pasha to this position shortly afterward.[7] However, the victory at the Battle of Keresztes was soon set back by some important losses, including the loss of Gyr (Turkish: Yankale) to the Austrians and the defeat of the Ottoman forces led by Hafhmet Pasha by the Wallachian forces under Michael the Brave in Nikopol in 1599. In 1600, Ottoman forces under Tiryaki Hasan Pasha captured Nagykanizsa after a 40-day siege and later successfully held it against a much greater attacking force in the Siege of Nagykanizsa.[12] Jelali revolts[edit] Another major event of his reign was the Jelali revolts in Anatolia. Karayazlhalim, a former Ottoman official, captured the city of Urfa and declared himself a sultan in 1600. The rumors of his claim to the throne spread to Constantinople and Mehmed ordered the rebels to be treated harshly to dispel the rumors, among these, was the execution of Hseyin Pasha, whom Karayaz Abdlhalim styled as Grand Vizier. In 1601, Abdlhalim fled to the vicinity of Samsun after being defeated by the forces under Sokulluzade Hasan Pasha, the governor of Baghdad. However, his brother, Deli Hasan, killed Sokulluzade Hasan Pasha and defeated troops under the command of Had Hsrev Pasha. He then marched on to Kahya, captured and burned the city.[7][12] Relationship with England[edit] In 1599, the fourth year of Mehmed III's reign, Queen Elizabeth I sent a convoy of gifts to the Ottoman court. These gifts were originally intended for the sultan's predecessor, Murad III, who had died before they had arrived. Included in these gifts was a large jewel-studded clockwork organ that was assembled on the slope of the Royal Private Garden by a team of engineers including Thomas Dallam. The organ took many weeks to complete and featured dancing sculptures such as a flock of blackbirds that sung and shook their wings at the end of the music.[13][14] Also among the English gifts was a ceremonial coach, accompanied by a letter from the Queen to Mehmed's mother, Safiye Sultan. These gifts were intended to cement relations between the two countries, building on the trade agreement signed in 1581 that gave English merchants priority in the Ottoman region.[15] Under the looming threat of Spanish military presence, England was eager to secure an alliance with the Ottomans, the two nations together having the capability to divide the power. Elizabeth's gifts arrived in a large 27-gun merchantman ship that Mehmed personally inspected, a clear display of English maritime strength that would prompt him to build up his fleet over the following years of his reign. The Anglo-Ottoman alliance would never be consummated, however, as relations between the nations grew stagnant due to anti-European sentiments reaped from the worsening Austro-Ottoman War and the deaths of Safiye Sultan's interpreter and the pro-English chief Hasan Pasha.[15][16] Death[edit] Mehmed died on 22 December 1603 at the age of 37. According to one source, the cause of his death was the distress caused by the death of his son, žehzade Mahmud.[17] According to another source, he died either of plague or of stroke.[18] He was buried in Hagia Sophia Mosque. He was succeeded by his son Ahmed I as the new sultan. St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar, Commemorated on December 4; Martyrs of Lazeti, Commemorated on April 29; Venerable Therapon the Abbot of Monza, Commemorated on May 27; Venerable Leontius the Hagiorite, Commemorated on June 18 ;

Constantinople, 1595, Burning Sava's Relics, Mileshevo M Serbia, incrrpt, Serb flag icon, r burnt during revolt, inspired Serbia
Bulgaria, 1595, Burning oSava's Relics, Mileshevo Monastery& Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3), Buried 1235, incorrupt 1237, transferred 1237 tSerbia, 1253 Saint, Turk Rule 1389, his icon on Serb flag, 1595 Serb revolt, R crushed and Relics burnt, Serbs inspired, annual rememberance burning, 1895 church over burning spot, 1989 Cathedral there; Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2); The Burning of Saint Sava's relics, Commemorated on April 27; his death in Trnovo, Bulgaria on January 14, 1235 Saint Savva was buried in the Cathedral of the Forty Martyrs. May 6, 1237 his relics were carried in procession from Trnovo to Mileshevo Monastery in Serbia. the casket was opened, the relics were found to be incorrupt, and produced an ineffable fragrance. In 1253, the Serbian Orthodox Church glorified the holy hierarch Savva as a Saint. the Battle of Kosovo on June 25, 1389, the Serbian nation fell under the Turkish Yoke. this period the Serbs continued to visit the tomb of Saint Savva, asking him to give them the strength to endure the oppressive persecution they suffered at the hands of the Turks. icon was placed on their flags, and the faithful turned to the Saint for encouragement, consolation, and healing. Serbs revolted in 1595, led by Patriarch John Kantul and others. Pasha, the Turkish military leader in Belgrade, sent soldiers to crush the rebellion. Mohammed II ordered that the relics of Saint Savva be burnt. Great and Holy Friday, the Turks removed the Saint's relics from Mileshevo Monastery. The next day, April 27, they climbed Savinac Hill in the Vrachar district and set fire to the holy relics. of becoming despondent, the Serbs were inspired to even greater love for Christ, for Holy Orthodoxy, and for Saint Savva. Although the Saint's relics had been destroyed, the people continued to venerate him, and to remember the burning of his relics every year. national independence in 1879, there was a proposal to build a memorial church in honor of Saint Savva. In 1895, the three hundredth anniversary of the burning of Saint Savva's relics, plans were made to build a church on the site where his relics were burnt. A temporary chapel was constructed the following year, but it was not possible to build a large cathedral until after World War I. In 1927, Patriarch Barnabas announced a competition for architects to submit designs for the cathedral. In 1935, architects were chosen and construction began. World War II, work was halted when the Communists seized power. Only in 1984 did Patriarch German receive government approval to resume construction. On June 25, 1989, Patriarch German served the first Divine Liturgy in Saint Savva's Memorial Cathedral, which towers over the city of Belgrade. is a famous Serbian saying: "Sinan Pasha lit the flames, Savva's body burned, but Savva's memory and his glory did not burn."

Constantinople, 1600-1699, 17th Century Folder, Ottoman E., Sunni Shia (Ottoman Sarafid) War

Constantinople, 1601, Seraphim, Bishop otPhanar, impaled by the Turks, fAgraphya, Greece, monk aKoronis Monastery
Constantinople, 1601, Seraphim, Bishop otPhanar Neighborhood, Constantinople, impaled by the Turks, fAgraphya, Greece, monk aKoronis Monastery, chosen Bishop Phanar&Neochorion, refused islam &Impaled 1601; Phanar (Greek Quarter of Constantinople); Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar, Commemorated on December 4 ; Hieromonk Seraphim, Bishop of the Phanar was from the village of Bezoula, Agrapha diocese in Greece. lived in asceticism at first as a monk at the Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos at Koronis, later was chosen as bishop of the Phanar and Neochorion. his refusal to accept Islam, he was beaten and impaled by the Turks in 1601. head is at the monastery at Koronis and has been glorified by numerous miracles.

Constantinople, 1601-1660, Cyriacus of Bisericani Monestary Simon Mountain, one of romania's greatest ascetics, naked, covered w hair
Romania, 1600-1660, Cyriacus of Bisericani Monestary Simon Mountain, Transylvania, one of romania's greatest ascetics, 1600-1660, naked summer and winter, covered w hair, unceasing prayer, grace, relics still in cave near Voivodal Church of Bisericani; This location chosen because: This is the only Bisericani Commune in the mountains. Venerable Cyriacus of Bisericani, Romania, Commemorated December 31 ; Kyriakos of Bisericani is one of Romania’s greatest ascetics, and in his life he resembled the great Fathers of the Egyptian desert. lived in Bisericani Monastery at the beginning of the XVII century, which then had more than a hundred monks. Longing for a life of solitude, Saint Kyriakos retreated into the wilderness, to a cave on Simon's Mountain, where he remained for sixty years. Saint Onuphrios (June 12), Saint Kyriakos went about naked both in summer and in winter, and his body became covered with hair. He glorified God by his unceasing prayer and ascetical struggles. Therefore, Christ gave him the grace to overcome the forces of nature, and the demons which assailed him. great holiness and perfecting himself in virtue, Saint Kyriakos fell asleep in the Lord in 1660. His relics were buried in his cave, where there is now a small chapel dedicated to him. Later, because of unsettled conditions in the land, the faithful took portions of his relics away and hid them in order to prevent them from being desecrated. holy Hierarch Dositheos, Metropolitan of Moldova (December 13), knew Saint Kyriakos during his lifetime. After the latter's repose, Saint Dositheos venerated his holy relics. Kyriakos is one of the great hesychasts of the Carpathians. His life was one of complete self-denial, humility, and unceasing prayer. He gave his soul to Christ, and is numbered with the Saints who are honored by the people. His relics were placed in the cave where he lived, a cave which may still be seen today, and where a Paraklesis is chanted in his honor. cave of Saint Kyriakos is located near the Voivodal Church of Bisericani, which is now on the property of a sanatorium. Over the centuries it has been a place of pilgrimage for the faithful. Kyriakos of Bisericani is commemorated on December 31, the day of his repose, and on October 1, the day of his glorification in 2008.

Constantinople, 1601-1660, Kyriakos of Tazlau, Moldovia or Romania (Tazlau Mare River 1), D light, tears, prophecy, deliverance
Romania, 1600-1660, Kyriakos of Tazlau, Moldovia or Romania (Tazlau Mare River 1), exceptional holiness, Divine light, tears, prophecy, deliverance, from his youth, like a fool for Christ; Tazlau (Tazlau Mare River); Venerable Cyriacus of Tazlu, Romania, Commemorated December 31 ; few people who honor the Saints are familiar with Saint Kyriakos (Chiriac) of Tazlau, his was a life of exceptional holiness. Believers from the surrounding area have maintained their respect for this chosen vessel, passing his name down from father to son. Saint Kyriakos was born into a peasant family, and became a monk at the Tazlau Monastery when Dositheos was the Igoumen. He was from the nearby village of Mastacan, a village which today belongs to the community of Borlesti. Kyriakos of Tazlau lived on a knoll in front of the monastery, remaining in permanent communion with divine grace, which first entered his soul at Holy Baptism. He was so pure that he had attained the measure of perfect manhood (Ephesians 4:13). He did not choose such a life when he was an old man, after tasting the sweetness of this fleeting life, but embraced it from his youth, like a fool for the sake of Christ. Since he surpassed the other monks in humility, prayer, and virtue, he was found worthy of the grace of the priesthood. to attain further perfection, Saint Kyriakos withdrew to a mountain called Magura Tazlaului, where he lived for fifty years. There he struggled in a manner similar to the great hesychasts of old, sustaining himself with dried bread and fruits, keeping all-night vigils and shedding copious tears. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, he was able to forsee future events, and to cast out evil spirits. solitary prayer in his cell, Saint Kyriakos uprooted the thorns of the passions from his body, and acquired the opposite virtues. The joy of Christ's Resurrection assuaged the sorrows of his soul, and his face shone with the uncreated light of Tabor. He did not experience any discouragement in his struggle with temptations and with evil spirits. time, many disciples flocked to him seeking his spiritual counsel. These, in turn, became hesychasts and lived in the mountains of Tazlau, Nichitu, and Tarcau. reaching an advanced age, Saint Kyriakos surrendered his soul to God on December 31, 1660. His disciples buried him in a cave on Magura Tazlaului, and many miracles took place through his holy relics. the end of the seventeenth century Moldavia was threatened by great dangers, and many people took refuge in the forests. The relics of Saint Kyriakos were divided among the faithful so that they would not be desecrated by infidels. Thus, the mountain cave on Magura Tazlaului was deprived of its great treasure.

Constantinople, 1603-1617, Ahmed I, Ottoman Empire Sultan, ended royal fratricide, didn't execute brothers, c Blue Mosque
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1603-1617, Ahmed I ; I (April 1590 - 22 November 1617) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1603 until his death in 1617. reign is noteworthy for marking the first breach in the Ottoman tradition of royal fratricide; henceforth Ottoman rulers would no longer systematically execute their brothers upon accession to the throne.[2] He is also well known for his construction of the Blue Mosque, one of the most famous mosques in Turkey. Hieromartyr Kozman, Commemorated on July 18; St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Venerable Cyriacus of Bisericani, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Martyrs of Lazeti, Commemorated on April 29; Hieromartyr Theodore of Kvelta, Commemorated on June 8; Martyr Luarsab II the King of Georgia, Commemorated on June 21 ; Venerable Dionysius the Orator of St Anne Skete of Mt Athos, Commemorated on July 9; Venerable Cyriacus of Tazlu, Romania, Commemorated on December 31;

Constantinople, 1612-1638, Cyril 1, Partiarch, protestant support, anti Jesuit, anti Calvinist, defender of Orthodoxy
Constantinople Partiarch, 1612-1638, Cyril 1 ; Lucaris or Loukaris (13 November 1572 - 27 June 1638), born Constantine Lucaris, was a Greek prelate and theologian, and a native of Candia, Crete (then under the Republic of Venice). He later became the Greek Patriarch of Alexandria as Cyril III and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople as Cyril I. contemporaries, and some modern Calvinist writers as well, have claimed that he strove for a reform of the Eastern Orthodox Church along Protestant, Calvinist lines.[1] Attempts to bring Calvinism into the Orthodox Church were rejected, and Cyril's actions, motivations, and specific viewpoints remain a matter of debate among scholars. the Orthodox Church recognizes him as a hieromartyr and defender of the Orthodox faith against both the Jesuit Catholics and Calvinist Protestants. official glorification of Cyril Loukaris took place by decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria on 6 October 2009, and his memory is commemorated on 27 June.[2][3] Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2;

Constantinople, 1617, Nicholas of Metsovo, Epirus, islam conversion repented, burned, divine light fSkull
Greece, 1617, New Martyr Nicholas of Metsovo, Epirus, Greece (Metsovon, Arachthos River 1), devout parents, tBaker iTrikkala, Thessaly, embraced Islam, realized gravity returned home, wood to T fExtra Money, recognized bBarber, not dressed as Turk, free wood tKeep secret, long time, conscience, became martyr, priest strengthened him, denounced by barber, admitted Islam conversion but repented returned Christian, intended die as C, Kadi usual flattery, threats, then beaten thrown prison, no food water some time, twice more tKadi, death sentence, large fire endured, escaped Ghenna, money for skull, hid in wall, bright light 1618, skull to Barlaam Monastery at Meteora fT, St Nik tVlach; Metsovon (Metsovo); New Martyr Nicholas of Metsovo, Commemorated on May 16; Basdanis was born at Metsovo, Epeiros to poor, but devout Orthodox parents. a young man he went to Trikkala in Thessaly, where he worked as the assistant of a Moslem baker. there, some Turks tried to convert him to their religion. Yielding to their persistent efforts, he embraced Islam. realizing the gravity of his sin, he returned to Metsovo, and to the Orthodox Church. earned some extra money by taking wood to Trikkala and selling it. This went on for some time, but one day He was recognized by a Moslem barber, who was a friend of the baker. barber wondered why Nicholas was no longer dressed as a Turk. with fear, Nicholas gave him the load of wood, promising to bring him more wood every year, if he would keep his secret. The barber agreed, and things continued that way for a long time. was troubled by his conscience, however, and believed that the only way to atone for his denial of Christ was to become a martyr. spoke of this to his Spiritual Father at the monastery of Meteora, who advised him not to be too hasty in carrying out his intention, lest he should be unable to endure the inevitable torture, and deny Christ once again. that Nicholas was determined to pursue this course, the priest strengthened him spiritually for the contest. Nicholas felt he was ready, he returned to Trikkala to see the barber. The man asked him about the wood he had promised to bring, and Nicholas told him that he had none. Furthermore, he would not be receiving any wood in future. barber became angry and denounced Nicholas to the authorities, saying that he had rejected Islam. barber summoned other Turks to take Nicholas to the kadi for interrogation. answer to the kadi's questions, Nicholas admitted freely that he had converted to Islam, but then he repented and returned to his Christian Faith. he told the Moslems that he was born a Christian, and that he intended to die as a Christian, no matter how much they might torture him. kadi tried the usual flattery and promises of riches in order to persuade him to return to their religion. this failed, the kadi threatened him with horrible torments and death if he did not relent. refused, and so he was beaten and thrown into prison, where he received nothing to eat or drink for some time. more, Saint Nicholas was brought before the kadi with the same results. Seeing that he could not be persuaded, the kadi sentenced him to death. large fire was lit in the marketplace, and the holy martyr was thrown into it on May 16, 1617. Thus, by enduring this fire, Saint Nicholas escaped the fire of Gehenna. a pious Christian went to that place, hoping to obtain relics. Since the Saint's body was being guarded, the man had to pay a large sum of money to obtain the skull. He took it home and hid it inside a wall so the Moslems would not find it. time, an Orthodox Christian named Melandros bought the house. the night of May 17, 1618, he noticed a bright light shining from the wall of one of the rooms. the morning, he opened the wall and found the skull of the New Martyr Nicholas. brought this treasure to Barlaam Monastery at Meteora, where his brother was a monk, and donated the holy relic to the monastery in remembrance of himself, and of his family. Holy New Martyr Nicholas, who is also known as Saint Nicholas the Vlach, is commemorated on May 17 in Greek usage.

Constantinople, 1617-1618 and 1622 - 1623, Mustafa I, Ottoman Empire Sultan, the Mad, Mother was regent
Constantinople, 1617-1618 and 1622 - 1623, Mustafa I; I (c. 1591 - 20 January 1639), called Mustafa the Saint (Veli Mustafa) during his second reign and often called Mustafa the Mad (Deli Mustafa) by modern historians, was the son of Mehmed III and was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1617 to 1618 and from 1622 to 1623. 1 Early life 2 First reign (1617–1618) 3 Deposition 4 Alleged mental instability 5 Second reign (1622–1623) 6 Deposition and last years 7 Death 8 See also 9 Notes 10 External links life[edit] was born in the Manisa Palace, as the younger brother of Ahmed I (1603–1617). His mother was Halime Sultan, an Abkhazian lady.[1] 1603 it was customary for an Ottoman Sultan to have his brothers executed shortly after he gained the throne (Mustafa's father Mehmed III had executed 19 of his own brothers). But when the thirteen-year-old Ahmed I was enthroned in 1603, he spared the life of the twelve-year-old Mustafa.[2] factor in Mustafa's survival is the influence of Kosem Sultan (Ahmed's favorite consort), who may have wished to preempt the succession of Osman, Ahmed’s first-born son from another concubine. Osman became Sultan, he would likely try to execute his half-brothers, the sons of Ahmed and Kosem. (This scenario later became a reality when Osman II executed his brother Mehmed in 1621.[3]) However, the reports of foreign ambassadors suggest that Ahmed actually liked his brother.[4] Ahmed's death in 1617, Mustafa lived in the Old Palace, along with his mother, and grandmother Safiye Sultan.[5] reign (1617–1618)[edit] death created a dilemma never before experienced by the Ottoman Empire. Multiple princes were now eligible for the Sultanate, and all of them lived in TopkapÄ± Palace.[3] court faction headed by the Şeyhülislam Esad Efendi and Sofu Mehmed Pasha (who represented the Grand Vizier when he was away from Constantinople) decided to enthrone Mustafa instead of Ahmed's son Osman. Mehmed argued that Osman was too young to be enthroned without causing adverse comment among the populace. The Chief Black Eunuch Mustafa Agha objected, citing Mustafa's mental problems, but he was overruled.[6] Mustafa's rise created a new succession principle of seniority that would last until the end of the Empire. It was the first time an Ottoman Sultan was succeeded by his brother instead of his son. His mother Halime Sultan became the Valide Sultan as well as a regent and wielded great power. Due to Mustafa's mental conditions, she acted as a regent and exercised power more directly. was hoped that regular social contact would improve Mustafa's mental health, but his behavior remained eccentric. He pulled off the turbans of his viziers and yanked their beards. Others observed him throwing coins to birds and fish. The Ottoman historian Ä°brahim Peçevi wrote "this situation was seen by all men of state and the people, and they understood that he was psychologically disturbed."[7] was never more than a tool of court cliques at the TopkapÄ± Palace.[8] In 1618, after a short rule, another palace faction deposed him in favour of his young nephew Osman II (1618–1622), and Mustafa was sent back to the Old Palace. conflict between the Janissaries and Osman II presented him with a second chance. After a Janissary rebellion led to the deposition and assassination of Osman II in 1622, Mustafa was restored to the throne and held it for another year.[9] mental instability[edit] according to Baki Tezcan, there is not enough evidence to properly establish that Mustafa was mentally imbalanced when he came to the throne. Mustafa "made a number of excursions to the arsenal and the navy docks, examining various sorts of arms and taking an active interest in the munitions supply of the army and the navy." One of the dispatches of Baron de Sancy, the French ambassador, "suggested that Mustafa was interested in leading the Safavid campaign himself and was entertaining the idea of wintering in Konya for that purpose."[10] one contemporary observer provides an explanation of the coup which does not mention the incapacity of Mustafa. Baron de Sancy ascribes the deposition to a political conspiracy between the grand admiral Ali Pasha and Chief Black Eunuch Mustafa Agha, who were angered by the former's removal from office upon Sultan Mustafa's accession. They may have circulated rumors of the sultan's mental instability subsequent to the coup in order to legitimize it.[11] reign (1622–1623)[edit] commenced his reign by executing all those who had taken any share in the murder of Sultan Osman. Hoca Ömer Efendi, the chief of the rebels, the kÄ±zlar Agha Suleiman Agha, the vizier Dilaver Pasha, the Kaim-makam Ahmed Pasha, the defterdar Baki Pasha, the segban-bashi Nasuh Agha, and the general of the janissaries Ali Agha, were cut into pieces.[12][non-primary source needed] epithet "Veli" (meaning "saint") was used in reference to him during his reign.[13] mental condition unimproved, Mustafa was a puppet controlled by his mother and brother-in-law, the grand vizier Kara Davud Pasha. He believed that Osman II was still alive and was seen searching for him throughout the palace, knocking on doors and crying out to his nephew to relieve him from the burden of sovereignty.[14] "The present emperor being a fool" (according to English Ambassador Sir Thomas Roe), he was compared unfavorably with his predecessor.[7] In fact, it was his mother Halime Sultan the de facto-co-ruler as Valide Sultan of the Ottoman empire. and last years[edit] instability was generated by conflict between the Janissaries and the sipahis (Ottoman cavalry), followed by the Abaza rebellion, which occurred when the governor-general of Erzurum, Abaza Mehmed Pasha, decided to march to Istanbul to avenge the murder of Osman II. The regime tried to end the conflict by executing Kara Davud Pasha, but Abaza Mehmed continued his advance. Clerics and the new Grand Vizier (KemankeÅŸ Kara Ali Pasha) prevailed upon Mustafa's mother to allow the deposition of her son. She agreed, on condition that Mustafa's life would be spared.[3][15] 11-year-old Murad IV, son of Ahmed I and Kösem, was enthroned on 10 September 1623. In return for her consent to his deposition, the request of Mustafa's mother that he be spared execution was granted.[16] Mustafa was sent along with his mother to the Eski (old) Palace.[17] source states that Mustafa was executed by the orders of his nephew, Sultan Murad IV on 20 January 1640 in order to end the Ottoman dynasty and prevented to give power to his mother Kösem Sultan. Another source states that he died of epilepsy which was caused by being imprisoned for 34 years out of his 48 years of life. He is buried in the courtyard of the Haghia Sophia.[18]

Constantinople, 1618-1622, Osman II, Ottoman Sultan. educated, polish c, g winter, Janissari coffee houses, Killed by Js
Constantinople, 1618-1622, Ottoman Empire Sultan, Osman II; II (3 November 1604 - 20 May 1622), also known as Osman the Young, was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1618 until his regicide on 20 May 1622. life[edit] II was born at TopkapÄ± Palace, Constantinople, the son of Sultan Ahmed I (1603–17) and one of his consorts Mahfiruz Hatun. According to later traditions, at a young age, his mother had paid a great deal of attention to Osman's education, as a result of which Osman II became a known poet and would have mastered many languages, including Arabic, Persian, Greek, Latin, and Italian; this has been refuted since.[2] was born eleven months after his father Ahmed Ahmed's transition to the throne. He was trained in the palace. According to foreign observers, he was one of the most cultured of Ottoman princes. [3] failure to capture the throne at the death of his father Ahmed may have been caused by the absence of a mother to lobby in his favour; his own mother was probably already dead or in exile. Ottoman Empire in 1622, the year of the regicide of Osman II II ascended the throne at the age of 14 as the result of a coup d' etat against his uncle Mustafa I the Intestable (1617–18, 1622–23). his youth, Osman II soon sought to assert himself as a ruler, and after securing the empire's eastern border by signing a peace treaty (Treaty of Serav) with Safavid Persia, he personally led the Ottoman campaign against Poland and king Sigismund III during the Moldavian Magnate Wars.[4] to sign a humiliating peace treaty with the Poles after the Battle of Khotyn (Chocim) in September- October, 1621, Osman II returned home to Constantinople in shame, blaming the cowardice of the Janissaries and the insufficiency of his statesmen for his humiliation.[5] basic and exceptional weakness from which Osman II suffered was the conspicuous absence of a female power basis in the harem. From 1620 until Osman's death, a governess (daye hatun, lit. wet-nurse) was appointed as a stand-in valide, and she could not counterbalance the contriving of Mustafa I's mother in the Old Palace. he did have a loyal chief black eunuch at his side, this could not compensate for the absence of what in the politics of that period was a winning combination, valide sultan–chief black eunuch, especially in the case of a young and very ambitious ruler.[6] According to Piterberg, Osman II did not have haseki sultan, opposite with Peirce who claim that Ayse was Osman's haseki. But it is clear that Ayse could not take valide's role during her spouse's reign.[citation needed] the autumn of 1620, Ozi Beylerbeyi Iskender Pasha seized the secret letter sent by Transylvanian Prince Bethlen Gabor to Istanbul and sent it to Poland, and Osman also became a veteran of the people around him. decided to embark on a Polish expedition. [7] Continuing preparations for the Polish campaign, neither cold nor famine nor the British ambassador John Eyre could deter Osman. The ambassador of Sigismund III, the King of Poland, was brought into Istanbul despite the severe colds. The janissaries and army were not willing to go on a campaign, regardless of their conditions.[8] winter of 1621[edit] II on horseback the murder of Sehzade Mehmed on 12 January 1621, a severe snow started in Istanbul. The people of Istanbul were drastically affected by the cold, which increased local violence on 24 January 1621, more so than the palace murder. This is the biggest natural disaster that concerns the capital in Osman's four-year short reign. Bostanzade Yahya Efendi, one of those who lived through this cold, tells that the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus were covered with ice in the end of January-beginning of February: Between Uskudar and Besiktas, the men walk around and go to Uskudar. [8] They came from Istanbul on foot. And the year became a gala (famine).[8] was snowing for 15 days, that the frosts were frozen from the severity of the cold, but that the river was open between Sarayburnu and Uskudar.[8] For this natural disaster, froze in thirty thousand froze between Uskudar and Istanbul from the cold, Hasimi Celebii, The road became Uskudar, the Mediterranean froze a thousand thirty. As a result of the inconvenience of the Zahire ships, there was a complete famine in Istanbul, and 75 dirhams of bread jumped to one akche, and the oak of the meat to 15 akches.[8] Osman the Young was strangled in Yedikule Zindans in 1622 Fortress in 1685 of the entrances of the Yedikule Fortress in Istanbul, where Osman II was strangled to death by revolting Janissaries Fortress in 1827 a counterweight to Janissary influence, Osman II closed their coffee shops (the gathering points for conspiracies against the throne) and started planning to create a new and more loyal army consisting of Anatolian sekbans.[9] result was a palace uprising by the Janissaries, who promptly imprisoned the young sultan in Yedikule Fortress in Istanbul, where Osman II was strangled to death. Osman's death, his ear was cut off and represented to Halime Sultan and Sultan Mustafa I to confirm his death and Mustafa would no longer need to fear his nephew. It was the first time in the Ottoman history that a Sultan was executed by the Janissaries.[10] This disaster is one of the most discussed topics in Ottoman history. Martyrs of Lazeti, Commemorated on April 29;

Constantinople, 1622 - 1623, Mustafa I, 2nd reign, the Mad, Mother as regent
Constantinople, 1617-1618 and 1622 - 1623, Mustafa I; I (c. 1591 - 20 January 1639), called Mustafa the Saint (Veli Mustafa) during his second reign and often called Mustafa the Mad (Deli Mustafa) by modern historians, was the son of Mehmed III and was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1617 to 1618 and from 1622 to 1623. 1 Early life 2 First reign (1617–1618) 3 Deposition 4 Alleged mental instability 5 Second reign (1622–1623) 6 Deposition and last years 7 Death 8 See also 9 Notes 10 External links life[edit] was born in the Manisa Palace, as the younger brother of Ahmed I (1603–1617). His mother was Halime Sultan, an Abkhazian lady.[1] 1603 it was customary for an Ottoman Sultan to have his brothers executed shortly after he gained the throne (Mustafa's father Mehmed III had executed 19 of his own brothers). But when the thirteen-year-old Ahmed I was enthroned in 1603, he spared the life of the twelve-year-old Mustafa.[2] factor in Mustafa's survival is the influence of Kosem Sultan (Ahmed's favorite consort), who may have wished to preempt the succession of Osman, Ahmed’s first-born son from another concubine. Osman became Sultan, he would likely try to execute his half-brothers, the sons of Ahmed and Kosem. (This scenario later became a reality when Osman II executed his brother Mehmed in 1621.[3]) However, the reports of foreign ambassadors suggest that Ahmed actually liked his brother.[4] Ahmed's death in 1617, Mustafa lived in the Old Palace, along with his mother, and grandmother Safiye Sultan.[5] reign (1617–1618)[edit] death created a dilemma never before experienced by the Ottoman Empire. Multiple princes were now eligible for the Sultanate, and all of them lived in TopkapÄ± Palace.[3] court faction headed by the Şeyhülislam Esad Efendi and Sofu Mehmed Pasha (who represented the Grand Vizier when he was away from Constantinople) decided to enthrone Mustafa instead of Ahmed's son Osman. Mehmed argued that Osman was too young to be enthroned without causing adverse comment among the populace. The Chief Black Eunuch Mustafa Agha objected, citing Mustafa's mental problems, but he was overruled.[6] Mustafa's rise created a new succession principle of seniority that would last until the end of the Empire. It was the first time an Ottoman Sultan was succeeded by his brother instead of his son. His mother Halime Sultan became the Valide Sultan as well as a regent and wielded great power. Due to Mustafa's mental conditions, she acted as a regent and exercised power more directly. was hoped that regular social contact would improve Mustafa's mental health, but his behavior remained eccentric. He pulled off the turbans of his viziers and yanked their beards. Others observed him throwing coins to birds and fish. The Ottoman historian Ä°brahim Peçevi wrote "this situation was seen by all men of state and the people, and they understood that he was psychologically disturbed."[7] was never more than a tool of court cliques at the TopkapÄ± Palace.[8] In 1618, after a short rule, another palace faction deposed him in favour of his young nephew Osman II (1618–1622), and Mustafa was sent back to the Old Palace. conflict between the Janissaries and Osman II presented him with a second chance. After a Janissary rebellion led to the deposition and assassination of Osman II in 1622, Mustafa was restored to the throne and held it for another year.[9] mental instability[edit] according to Baki Tezcan, there is not enough evidence to properly establish that Mustafa was mentally imbalanced when he came to the throne. Mustafa "made a number of excursions to the arsenal and the navy docks, examining various sorts of arms and taking an active interest in the munitions supply of the army and the navy." One of the dispatches of Baron de Sancy, the French ambassador, "suggested that Mustafa was interested in leading the Safavid campaign himself and was entertaining the idea of wintering in Konya for that purpose."[10] one contemporary observer provides an explanation of the coup which does not mention the incapacity of Mustafa. Baron de Sancy ascribes the deposition to a political conspiracy between the grand admiral Ali Pasha and Chief Black Eunuch Mustafa Agha, who were angered by the former's removal from office upon Sultan Mustafa's accession. They may have circulated rumors of the sultan's mental instability subsequent to the coup in order to legitimize it.[11] reign (1622–1623)[edit] commenced his reign by executing all those who had taken any share in the murder of Sultan Osman. Hoca Ömer Efendi, the chief of the rebels, the kÄ±zlar Agha Suleiman Agha, the vizier Dilaver Pasha, the Kaim-makam Ahmed Pasha, the defterdar Baki Pasha, the segban-bashi Nasuh Agha, and the general of the janissaries Ali Agha, were cut into pieces.[12][non-primary source needed] epithet "Veli" (meaning "saint") was used in reference to him during his reign.[13] mental condition unimproved, Mustafa was a puppet controlled by his mother and brother-in-law, the grand vizier Kara Davud Pasha. He believed that Osman II was still alive and was seen searching for him throughout the palace, knocking on doors and crying out to his nephew to relieve him from the burden of sovereignty.[14] "The present emperor being a fool" (according to English Ambassador Sir Thomas Roe), he was compared unfavorably with his predecessor.[7] In fact, it was his mother Halime Sultan the de facto-co-ruler as Valide Sultan of the Ottoman empire. and last years[edit] instability was generated by conflict between the Janissaries and the sipahis (Ottoman cavalry), followed by the Abaza rebellion, which occurred when the governor-general of Erzurum, Abaza Mehmed Pasha, decided to march to Istanbul to avenge the murder of Osman II. The regime tried to end the conflict by executing Kara Davud Pasha, but Abaza Mehmed continued his advance. Clerics and the new Grand Vizier (KemankeÅŸ Kara Ali Pasha) prevailed upon Mustafa's mother to allow the deposition of her son. She agreed, on condition that Mustafa's life would be spared.[3][15] 11-year-old Murad IV, son of Ahmed I and Kösem, was enthroned on 10 September 1623. In return for her consent to his deposition, the request of Mustafa's mother that he be spared execution was granted.[16] Mustafa was sent along with his mother to the Eski (old) Palace.[17] source states that Mustafa was executed by the orders of his nephew, Sultan Murad IV on 20 January 1640 in order to end the Ottoman dynasty and prevented to give power to his mother Kösem Sultan. Another source states that he died of epilepsy which was caused by being imprisoned for 34 years out of his 48 years of life. He is buried in the courtyard of the Haghia Sophia.[18]

Constantinople, 1623-1640, Murad IV, Ottoman Empire Sultan, Ottoman Safavid War (1623-1639)
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1623-1640, Murad IV; IV (Turkish: IV. Murad, 27 July 1612 - 8 February 1640) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1623 to 1640, known both for restoring the authority of the state and for the brutality of his methods. IV was born in Constantinople, the son of Sultan Ahmed I (r. 1603–17) and Kosem Sultan.[2] He was brought to power by a palace conspiracy in 1623, and he succeeded his uncle Mustafa I (r. 1617–18, 1622–23). was only 11 when he ascended the throne. His reign is most notable for the Ottoman–Safavid War (1623–1639), of which the outcome would partition the Caucasus between the two Imperial powers for around two centuries, while it also roughly laid the foundation for the current Turkey–Iran–Iraq borders. The Placing of the Honorable Robe of the Lord at Moscow, Commemorated on July 10; Hieromartyr Kozman, Commemorated on July 18; St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Venerable Cyriacus of Tazlu, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Cyriacus of Bisericani, Romania, Commemorated on December 31;

Constantinople, 1623, Anthimus II, Partiarch, catholic support, Orthodox, false credit instruments 20,000 L, deposed by Cyril
Constantinople Partiarch, 1623, Anthimus II ; II was Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople for a few months in 1623. was born in Constantinople to a noble and rich family. Before he was elected as Patriarch of Constantinople he was Metropolitan of Adrianople.[1] short reign has to be considered in the context of the clash between the pro-Calvinist Patriarch Cyril Lucaris, supported by the Dutch and English ambassadors, and his opponents supported by the French, Austrian and Venetian ambassadors to the Ottoman capital. latter were successful at persuading the Grand Vizier to depose Cyril Lucaris on 12 April 1623 and to appoint in his place the blind and old Gregory IV. The Metropolitans and the bishops were unsatisfied with Gregory IV because he had not been canonically elected by the Holy Synod. Thus on 18 June 1623 the Holy Synod deposed Gregory IV and formally elected Anthimus II as Patriarch of Constantinople.[2] II, even if politically supported by the Catholic governments, remained a strong and good Orthodox.[3] sent metropolitans to Rhodes, where Lucaris was temporarily exiled, to persuade him to retire to Mount Athos, but without success. On the contrary, Lucaris, thanks to the Calvinist Dutch ambassador, returned to Constantinople and produced false instruments of credit for 20,000 Livres on the Patriarchate.[3] could not find such large amount and was forced to abdicate on 22 September 1623.[3] Subsequently, Lucaris returned on the patriarchal throne for the third time. his resignation, Anthimus retired on Mount Athos where he died in 1628.[1] Monkmartyr Euthymius of Prodromou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on March 22; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2;

Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III, St. Athanasius of Lubensk, writer, urged Tsar unite with Cossack's
Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch.

Constantinople, 1634-1652, WWorking Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon, always w Athanasius III
Constantinople, 1634-1652, Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon, very ancient, always w Athanasios III, after him to Vatopedi till 1849, tRussian Andrew Skete, tSloboda i1863 w Paisios, 18yr old speech healed by touching her lips, list of icon's miracles at Slobodsky, church for tIcon built aVyatka 1871-82, gilded riza added 1866, miraculous copy St Petersburg 1890. ; Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows Icon of the Mother of God, Commemorated on November 19; exact origin of the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God is unknown, but the lettering on the Icon indicates that it is very ancient. is a tradition that the Icon belonged to the holy Patriarch Athanasios III of Constantinople (May 2). This Icon accompanied him in all his travels, and so he brought the Icon to Russia with him in the year 1653. the repose of Saint Athanasios in 1654, the Icon was brought to the Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, remaining there until October 11,1849, when the Russian Skete of Saint Andrew was founded. Gregory, who was living alone at Vatopedi, gave the Icon to the newly-founded Skete as a blessing from his monastery. The Icon was kept in the cell of Hieroschema-monk Bessarion (Vavilov), the founder of the Skete. Father Bessarion blessed the brotherhood with the Icon saying, “May this icon bring you joy, and console you in afflictions and sorrows.” glorification of the Icon took place in Russia, in 1863, when Hieromonk Paisios arrived in the town of Sloboda (Vyatka Province) from Mount Athos, bringing with him the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God. image was decorated with rich silver and a gilded riza. Father Paisios placed the Icon in the women’s Monastery of the Nativity of the Lord, in the church of the Nativity. Father Paisios was about to return to the Holy Mountain, the eighteen-year-old son of a local priest, Father Vladimir Nevolin, who had been unable to speak for six years, was healed by the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. a Moleben, he touched her lips and began to speak. After this, people began to make pilgrimages to the Icon, and many suffering pilgrims received healing and comfort in their sorrows from the holy Icon in those days. holy Icon was transferred to the women’s Monastery of the Transfiguration in the city of Vyatka with great reverence. Slobodsky, an exact list of the Icon’s miracles was compiled by the same eighteen-year old young man who had been healed. spiritual uplifting of the inhabitants of Vyatka was so great that on the eve of a Great Cross procession, the “Vyatka Provincial Gazette” compared the religious fervor to that when the holy Icon from Mount Athos first arrived. Father Paisios was leaving for Mount Athos, he left the list of the Icon’s miracles at the Monastery of the Transfiguration. Vyatka, on June 26, 1871, the foundation of a church in honor of the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon was laid. It was built over a period of eleven years. August 31, 1882, on the Feast of the Placing of the Honorable Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Appolos consecrated the church, and every Saturday an Akathist was read before the Icon. two years, in remembrance of the holy Icon’s stay in the Vyatka region and the miraculous healings which took place, solemn processions were held throughout the entire diocese. November 19, 1866 at Sloboda’s Monastery of the Nativity of the Lord, a gilded riza was added to the “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God from Mount Athos; in remembrance of the Icon’s first healing (of the young man who could not speak), a particularly solemn service took place in the monastery. That day was established as the Feast Day of the wonderworking Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. March 27, 1890, an exact copy of the Icon was delivered to Russia and placed in the Annunciation Cathedral at St. Petersburg, the representation church of Saint Andrew’s Skete on Mount Athos. and night, crowds of people came to venerate the wonderworking Icon. the grace of God, this icon of the Mother of God was also glorified by numerous miracles. the Icon is at the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in St. Petersburg, and a list of miracles is with the holy Icons in the suburban Cathedral of Saint Katherine. 1999, the altar of one of the churches of the former Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the town of Sloboda was consecrated in honor of the wonderworking Icon. the Aleksievo-Akatov women’s monastery in Voronezh, there is also a list of the Athos shrine, which says: “This icon was painted and blessed on the Holy Mountain in the Russian Monastery of Saint John Chrysostom under the rector Hieroschema-monk Cyril in 1905.” The Icon was restored in 1999. “Consolation in Afflictions and Sorrows” Icon is in the form of a triptych. In addition to the Most Holy Theotokos, the following saints are depicted: The Great Martyrs George and Demetrios of Thessaloniki on horseback; Saint John the Forerunner and Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, the monastic saints Anthony, Euthymios, Onuphrios the Great and Savva the Sanctified; Saints Spyridon of Trimythontos and Nicholas the Wonderworker. The Icon is adorned with several rizas, one of which is gold. the Feast Day of the Icon is on November 19, it does not have its own Service; so the Troparion, Kontakion, and Akathist for the Assuage my Sorrows Icon (January 25 and October 9) are also used for this Icon. Constantinople, 1580-1662, Athanasius III, St. Athanasius oLubensk, Patriarch oConstantinople, Wonderworker, from Crete, from pious Greek family, wealthy but wanted asceticism, novice Thess M, trapeza at Esphigmenou, tonsured palestinian Ms, returned, presbyter aThss, Gospel to Vlachs & Moldovians & translated Psalter, tConstantinople tPreachby Cyril, bishop aThss, Cyril slandered, tC as Metro, struggle a heratics, Moslems, Jesuits; deposed a 40days, Cyril returned, tAthos, returned&deposed iYr, Thss&Athos, 1633-45 alms petitions to Moscow, tGa1lats aMoldova, 1652 returned C Patriarch 15days, but sermon denouncing Catholics' universal jurisdiction, tGalats Moldovia, tRussian Tzar&Patriarch iMoscow, great alms but ill on way back and died in Lubensk, Ukraine.; Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; Athanasius III Patelarios, Patriarch of Constantinople, Wonderworker of Lubensk, in the world Alexis, born in 1560 on the island of Crete, into the pious Greek family Patelarios. his education and position in society, Alexis was attracted by the life of Christian ascetics. his father’s death, he became a novice in one of the monasteries of Thessalonica with the name Ananias. there, he later went to the monastery of Esphigmenou on Mt. Athos, where he fulfilled his obedience in the trapeza (dining area). Athos he journeyed to the Palestinian monasteries, and he was tonsured with the name Athanasius. his return to Thessalonica he was ordained presbyter spread the Gospel of Christ among the Vlachs and the Moldovians, for whom he translated the PSALTER from the Greek. the saint went to Mt. Athos for solitude, and to ask God’s blessing on his pastoral work. holiness of his life attracted many Christians who wished to see a true preacher of the Orthodox Faith. his remarkable abilities and spiritual gifts he attracted the attention of the Patriarch of Constantinople, Cyril I (Lukaris) (1621-1623). the ascetic, Patriarch Cyril appointed him a preacher of the Patriarchal throne. Saint Athanasius was consecrated bishop and became Metropolitan of Thessalonica. this time Patriarch Cyril was slandered before the sultan and imprisoned on the island of Tenedos. Athanasius assumed the Patriarchal throne on March 25, 1634, on the day of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. Athanasius led an incessant struggle against heretics, Jesuits, and Moslems. only forty days on the Patriarchal throne, he was deposed through the intrigues of the enemies of Orthodoxy, and Cyril I was returned. saint went to Athos, where for a certain time he pursued asceticism in solitude. he became Patriarch again, but was deposed after a year. this, he returned to Thessalonica and renewed his connections with the Holy Mountain. view of the intolerable persecution of Christians by the Moslems, Saint Athanasius was repeatedly (from 1633 to 1643) obliged to send petitions to the Russian tsar Michael (1613-1645) seeking alms for the hapless Church of Constantinople. living at Thessalonica became impossible for the saint, he was forced to journey to Moldavia under the protection of its sovereign, Basil Lukulos, he settled there in the monastery of Saint Nicholas near Galats, he longed for Mount Athos. He visited it often and hoped to finish his life there, but God ordained something else for him. 1652 after the death of Patriarch Cyril I, Saint Athanasius was returned to the patriarchal throne. remained only fifteen days, since he was not acceptable to the Moslems and Catholics. his final Patriarchal service he preached a sermon in which he denounced papal pretensions to universal jurisdiction over the whole Church. by the Moslems and Jesuits, physically weakened, he transferred the administration of the Church of Constantinople to Metropolitan Paisius of Laureia, he withdrew to Moldavia, where he was appointed administrator of the monastery of Saint Nicholas at Galats. the deep faith and responsiveness of the Russian nation, Saint Athanasius undertook a journey to Russia. April 1653 he was met with great honor in Moscow by Patriarch Nikon (1652-1658) and Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich. received generous alms for the needs of the monastery, Patriarch Athanasius left for Galats in December 1653. the way he fell ill and stayed at the Transfiguration Mgarsk monastery in the city of Lubno in February 1654. his impending death, the saint wrote his last will, and he fell asleep in the Lord on April 5. Petronios and the brethren of the monastery buried the Patriarch. Greek custom the saint was buried in a sitting position. February 1, 1662 Saint Athanasius was glorified as a saint and his Feastday was designated as May 2, the Feast of Saint Athanasius the Great. relics of holy Patriarch Athansios, glorified by numerous miracles and signs, rest in the city of Kharkov, in the Annunciation cathedral church. At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch. Constantinople, 1634-1652, Athanasius III of Constantinople, St. Athanasius of Lubensk; St Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2; At the request of Patriarch Nikon, Athanasius wrote The Ordo of the Episcopal Liturgy in the East, which underlined the Muscovian edited Archieratikon of the Episcopal Service, which is used by the Russian Church to date.[2] Athanasius delivered the Tsar a notebook in which he stated his main reason for his visit to Moscow; that is, to arouse the Tsar unite with Moldavia and the Cossack Hetmanate for a future war with the Turks, after which the Tsar should become the new Roman Emperor, and the Moscow Patriarch “ the new Ecumenical Patriarch.

Constantinople, 1640-1648, Ibrahim, Ottoman Empire Sultan, the Mad, incompetent
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1640-1648, Ibrahim of the Ottoman Empire; (5 November 1615 - 18 August 1648) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1640 until 1648. He was born in İstanbul, the son of Ahmed I by Valide Kösem Sultan, an ethnic Greek originally named Anastasia.[1][2][3] was called "Deli Ibrahim" ("Ibrahim the Mad") due to his mental condition and behavior.[4] However Scott Rank notes that his opponents spread rumors of the sultan's insanity, and some historians suggest he was more incompetent than mad.[5] New-martyr John of Thasos, Commemorated on December 20; Venerable Cyriacus of Tazlu, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Cyriacus of Bisericani, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12;

Constantinople, 1640-1710, Theodora oSihla, Abandoned World, birds feed her, spiritual p, radiant light, levitation, incorrupt r
Moldovia, 1640-1710, Theodora oSihla, Sihastria Monastery, born approx 1620, died approx 1710, great early trial, thought tAbandon world, parents married her, they entered monasteries, iBuzau valley, Skete of Poiana Marului, he Priest, she grace of unceasing prayer otHeart, she many temptations endured, she fled to mts fTurks, tNeramt mts, Neamts Icon, Sihastria Skete, under FrPaul, live wilderness 1yr, if endure remain until die, beneath clifs of Sihla, clairvoyant elder, Theodora remain in my cell, Fr Paul left her there 30 yrs, visiting time to time wSpotless Mysteries&supplies, asceticism progress, able arms in air virgil all night, break fast herbs, Theodora's rainwater spring, Paul's repose, God's care, Turks attack villages, nuns discover her cell, remain my cell I go to cave, rest on flagstones, Turks discover cave, Lord deliver me, cave wall opens up escape to woods, she grows old forgotten alone no one to care for her, placed all hope in God, great heights spiritual perfection, radiant light, levitation, mouth prayer flame, rags for clothes, birds bring food from Sihastria, monks follow them to her, bright light at night from her, levitating, she clairvoyantly knew their names and sent them to bring named priest for her final rites, how, guided by light before them, repose, burried in her cave, people came to venerate, incorrupt relics, healing and consolation, husband came, stayed there 10 yrs, buried hermit's cemetery Skete John tBaptist built over his grave, her relics taken to Kiev Caves 1828-34. Sihastria Monastery; Saint Theodora of Sihla, Commemorated on August 7; Theodora of Sihla, who is one of the greatest of Romania’s women ascetics, was born in the village of Vânatori in Neamts County in the first half of the seventeenth century, and was one of the two daughters of Stephen Joldea and his wife. her youth, Saint Theodora experienced a great trial in her family. Her sister, Marghiolitsa, died in a tragic way. This event deeply affected the saint. At this time, the thought of abandoning the world blossomed in her heart. She wished to do penance for her parents, for her sister, and for herself. Her grieving parents, however, did not agree with her decision, because now Theodora was their only child. They pleaded with her, and, at the proper time, they married her to a young man who was working in their vicinity, and who went frequently to venerate the holy sites. After entering into a lawful marriage, they lived together in her husband’s house. Saint Theodora and her husband did not have any children, they both decided to enter monasteries in the Buzau valley. Her husband went to the Skete of Poiana Mărului, where he was tonsured with the name Eleutherios. He was also found worthy of ordination to the holy priesthood. Saint Theodora also received the monastic tonsure in the Skete of Poiana Mărului. In just a few short years, she advanced in obedience, prayer, and asceticism, acquiring the grace of unceasing prayer of the heart. She also had to endure many temptations from the Enemy. the Buzau valley was invaded by the Turks, Saint Theodora fled to the mountains with her Spiritual Mother, Schema-nun Paisia. They lived for several years in fasting, vigil and prayer, enduring cold, hunger, and other trials from the devil. When her Spiritual Mother fell asleep in the Lord (sometime between 1670 - 1675), Saint Theodora was led by God to the mountains of Neamț. After venerating the wonderworking Neamts Icon of the Mother of God (June 26) at the monastery, she was told to seek the advice of Hieromonk Barsanuphios of Sihăstria Skete. Seeing her desire for the eremetical life, and recognizing her great virtues, he gave her Holy Communion and assigned Hieromonk Paul as her Father Confessor and spiritual guide. Barsanuphios advised Mother Theodora to go and live alone in the wilderness for a year. “If, by the grace of Christ, you are able to endure the difficulties and trials of the wilderness, then remain there until you die. If you cannot endure, however, then go to a women’s monastery, and struggle there in humility for the salvation of your soul.” Paul searched in vain for an abandoned hermitage where the saint might live. Then they met an old hermit living beneath the cliffs of Sihla. This clairvoyant Elder greeted them and said, “Mother Theodora, remain in my cell, because I am moving to another hermitage.” Paul left the nun on Mount Sihla, blessing her before he returned to the Sihăstria Skete. Saint Theodora lived in that cell for thirty years, glorifying God. Strengthened with power from on high, she vanquished all the attacks of the Enemy through patience and humility. She never left the mountain, and never saw another person except for Father Paul, who visited her from time to time to bring her the Spotless Mysteries of Christ and the supplies she needed in order to survive. Theodora made such progress in asceticism that she was able to keep vigil all night long with her arms lifted up toward heaven. When the morning sun touched her face, she would eat some herbs and other vegetation to break her fast. She drank the rain water which she collected from a channel cut into the cliff, which is still known as Saint Theodora’s spring. After Father Paul’s repose, she remained solely in God’s care. Turks attacked the villages and monasteries around Neamts, the woods became filled with people from nearby villages and refugees from the monasteries. Some nuns discovered Saint Theodora’s cell and she told them, “Remain here in my cell, for I have another place of refuge.” Then she moved into a nearby cave, living there completely alone. At night she would rest a little on the flagstones, which still can be seen to this day. An army of Turks discovered the cave, and were about to kill the saint. Lifting up her hands, she cried out, “O Lord, deliver me from the hands of these murderers.” The wall of the cave opened up, and she was able to escape into the woods. Saint Theodora grew old, she was completely forgotten and there was no one to care for her. Placing all her hope in God, she continued her spiritual struggles, and reached great heights of perfection. When she prayed her mind was raised up to Heaven, and her body was lifted up off the ground. Like the great saints of earlier times, her face shone with a radiant light, and a flame came forth from her mouth when she prayed. her clothes became mere rags, and when her food ran out, she was fed by birds just as the Prophet Elias (July 20) was. The bread that they brought to her came from the Sihăstria Skete. Seeing the birds come to the Skete and then fly away with pieces of bread in their beaks, the Hegumen sent two monks to follow them, thinking that some ascetic was living there and that God was providing food for him. Night fell as they walked toward Sihla, and they lost their way in the woods. They decided to wait for daylight, and so they began to pray. One of them climbed a tree and looked for a place where someone might be living. Suddenly, they saw a bright light rising up into the sky, and went to investigate. As they approached, they saw a woman shining with light and levitating above the ground while she prayed. their presence, Saint Theodora said, “Brethren, do not be afraid, for I am a humble handmaiden of Christ. Throw me something to wear, for I am naked.’ The monks were amazed when she addressed them by name. Then she prayed: “I thank Thee, O Lord, that Thou hast heard me.” She said to the monks, “Brothers, I have lived for many years in these parts, and, behold, it has been forty days since I prayed for God to send me a Confessor to come and impart unto me the Holy Mysteries of our Lord Jesus Christ, because it is almost time for me to depart from this life. So, please, go straight to the Skete and ask Father Hegumen to send Father Anthony and Hierodeacon Laurence to me tomorrow morning with Holy Communion.” asked her how they could find their way to the Skete at night, for they did not know the way. She said that they would be guided to the Skete by a light which would go before them. next day at dawn, Father Anthony went to Sihla with the deacon and two other monks. When they found Saint Theodora, she was praying by a fir tree in front of her cave. She made a Confession of her entire life to Father Anthony, and then she received the Holy Mysteries of Christ and gave her soul to God. Her last words were, “Glory to God for all things.’ The monks buried Saint Theodora in her cave with great reverence sometime during the first decade of the eighteenth century. of her death spread quickly, and people came from all over to venerate her tomb. Her holy relics remained incorrupt, and many miracles took place before them. Some kissed the relics; others touched the reliquary, while others washed in her spring. All who entreated Saint Theodora’s intercession received healing and consolation. Theodore’s former husband, Hieromonk Eleutherios, heard that she had been living at Sihla, and decided to go there. He found her cave shortly after her death and burial. Grieving for his beloved wife, Eleutherios did not return to his monastery, but made a small cell for himself below the cliffs of Sihla. He remained close to her cave, fasting, praying, and serving the Divine Liturgy. He lived there for about ten years before his blessed repose. He was buried in the hermits’ cemetery and the Skete of Saint John the Baptist was built over his grave. Theodora’s relics were taken to the Kiev Caves Monastery between 1828 and 1834. There she is known as Saint Theodora of the Carpathians. Our Venerable Mother Theodora was glorified by the Romanian Orthodox Church on June 20, 1992. inscription of Saint Theodora’s scroll reads: “Life is blessed for those in the wilderness as they fly upon the wings of Divine love” (Sunday Matins, Hymn of Degrees, first Antiphon).

Constantinople, 1648-1687, Mehmed IV, Sultan, long reign, empire reached height of European territorial expansion
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1648-1687, Mehmed IV; IV (2 January 1642 -6 January 1693) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1648 to 1687. He came to the throne at the age of six after his father was overthrown in a coup. Mehmed went on to become the second longest reigning sultan in Ottoman history after Suleiman the Magnificent.[1] While the initial and final years of his reign were characterized by military defeat and political instability, during his middle years he oversaw the revival of the empire's fortunes associated with the K era. Mehmed IV was known by contemporaries as a particularly pious ruler, and was referred to as gazi, or "holy warrior" for his role in the many conquests carried out during his long reign.[2] his reign the empire reached the height of its territorial expansion in Europe. From a young age he developed a keen interest in hunting, for which he is known as the hunter.[1] In 1687 Mehmed was overthrown by soldiers disenchanted by the course of the ongoing War of the Holy League. He subsequently retired to Edirne, where he resided until his natural death in 1693.[1] Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated on July 23; Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks, Commemorated on July 23; of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God is among the most revered sacred objects of the Orthodox Church. Located in the Dormition Cathedral at Pochaev, Ukraine, the Icon is reknowned throughout the entire Slavic world, and is venerated in Russia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and in other places. Christians of other confessions also venerate the Pochaev Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The wonderworking Icon has been treasured at the Pochaev Lavra for over 400 years. miracles have taken place before the holy Icon, and these are recorded in special books at the monastery. The books contain the personal testimonies of people who prayed before the Pochaev Icon and were healed of their illnesses, delivered from unclean spirits, or freed from captivity. Many sinners were also brought to repentance. Feast Day in honor of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God was appointed to commemorate the deliverance of the Dormition Lavra from a siege by the Turks on July 20-23, 1675. the summer of 1675 during the Zbarazhsk War with the Turks, in the reign of the Polish King Jan Sobesski (1674-1696), regiments composed of Tatars under the command of Khan Nurredin via Vishnevets fell upon the Pochaev monastery, surrounding it on three sides. The weak monastery walls and its stone buildings did not offer much protection against a siege. Igoumen Joseph Dobromirsky urged the brethren and laypeople to pray to their heavenly intercessors, the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job of Pochaev (October 28). monks and the people prayed fervently, prostrating themselves before the wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God, and the reliquary containing the relics of Saint Job. At sunrise on the morning of July 23, as the Tatars prepared to attack the monastery, the Igoumen ordered an Akathist to the Theotokos to be sung. At the opening words, “O Queen of the Heavenly Hosts,” the Mother of God suddenly appeared over the church, in “an unfurled radiant white omaphorion,” with angels holding unsheathed swords. Saint Job stood beside the Mother of God, bowing to her and beseeching her to defend the monastery. Tatars believed that the heavenly army was a vision, and in their confusion they started shooting arrows at the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job, but the arrows turned backwards and wounded those who shot them. The enemy, gripped by terror, fled in panic, trampling upon and killing each other. The defenders of the monastery pursued them and took many prisoners. Later, some of the prisoners converted to the Orthodox Faith and remained at the monastery thereafter. the year 1721, Pochaev was occupied by the Uniates. Even during this difficult time for the Lavra, the monastery Chronicle lists 539 miracles of the Pochaev Icon. In the second half of the eighteenth century, a Uniate nobleman, Count Nicholas Pototski, became a benefactor of the Pochaev Lavra through the following miraculous circumstance. After accusing his coachman of overturning the carriage with runaway horses, the Count took out a pistol to shoot him. The coachman, turning towards the mountain of Pochaev, stretched out his hands and cried: "Mother of God, depicted in the Pochaev Icon, save me!” times Pototski tried to shoot the pistol, which had never failed him, but the weapon misfired and the coachman remained alive. Pototski went at once to the wonderworking Icon and resolved to devote himself and all his property to building up the monastery. With the money he contributed, the Dormition cathedral was built, as well as other buildings for the brethren. return of the Pochaev Monastery to the Orthodox Church in 1832 was marked by the miraculous healing of the blind maiden Anna Akimchukova, who had come on pilgrimage to the holy shrine along with her seventy-year-old grandmother from Kremenets-Podolsk, 200 versts away. In memory of this event, the Archbishop of Volhynia and Archimandrite Innocent of the Lavra (1832-1840) appointed that an Akathist be read on Saturdays before the wonderworking Icon. During the time of Archimandrite Agathangelus, Archbishop of Volhynia (1866-1876), a separate chapel was built in the galleries of the Holy Trinity church, which was dedicated on July 23, 1875 in memory of the victory over the Tatars. wonderworking Pochaev Icon is also commemorated on Friday of Bright Week, and on September 8. New Martyr Triandaphyllus of Stara Zagora, Commemorated on August 8 ; New Martyr Stamatius of Volos, Commemorated on August 16 ; St Gabriel I the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30; Martyr Macarius the Archimandrite of Kanev and Pereyaslavl, Commemorated on September 7 ; St Joseph the New of Partos the Metropolitan of Timishoara (Romania), Commemorated on September 15; Terebovlya Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God, Commemorated on October 1 ; St Demetrius of Basarabov, Commemorated on October 27; Icon of the Mother of God ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂœQuick to HearÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on November 9; Monk Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated on November 13; New-martyr John of Thasos, Commemorated on December 20; Venerable Cyriacus of Tazlu, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Cyriacus of Bisericani, Romania, Commemorated on December 31; Venerable Romanus the Martyr, Commemorated on January 5; St Joseph the Metropolitan of Astrakhan, Commemorated on May 11; Martyr John the Wallachian of Romania, Commemorated on May 12;

Constantinople, 1651, Nilus t Myrrhgusher of Mt Athos, raised by Macarius, relics curative myrrh, accurate prophecies
Greece, Mt Athos, 1651, Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Mt Athos (The Holy Mountain), Macedonia, Greece, raised by uncle hieromonk Macarius, attained hieromonk, Holy Rocks on Mt A, abundant flow curative myrrh from his relics, left accurate 20th century prophecies ; Mount Athos ; Athonite monasteries ; Venerable Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Mt Athos, Commemorated on November 12 ; Nilus the Myrrh-Gusher of Mt Athos was born in Greece, in a village named for Saint Peter, in the Zakoneia diocese. was raised by his uncle, the hieromonk Macarius. attained the age of maturity, he received monastic tonsure and was found worthy of ordination to hierodeacon, and then to hieromonk. desire for greater monastic struggles brought uncle and nephew to Mt Athos, where Macarius and Nilus lived in asceticism at a place called the Holy Rocks. the repose of Saint Macarius, the venerable Nilus, aflame with zeal for even more intense spiritual efforts, found an isolated place almost inaccessible for any living thing. his departure to the Lord in 1651, Saint Nilus was glorified by an abundant flow of curative myrrh, for which Christians journeyed from the most distant lands of the East. Nilus has left a remarkably accurate prophecy concerning the state of the Church in the mid-twentieth century, and a description of the people of that time. the inventions he predicted are the telephone, airplane, and submarine. also warned that people’s minds would be clouded by carnal passions, “and dishonor and lawlessness will grow stronger.” would not be distinguishable from women because of their “shamelessness of dress and style of hair.” Nilus lamented that Christian pastors, bishops and priests, would become vain men, and that the morals and traditions of the Church would change. pious and God-fearing pastors would remain, and many people would stray from the right path because no one would instruct them.

Constantinople, 1652, John of Thasos, Macedonia, aprentice tailor, seized by turks for insulting Moslems, no conversion, beheaded
Greece, 1652, John of Thasos, Macedonia, 18 yr old aprentice tailor, seized by turks for insulting Moslems, no conversion, beheaded; Thasos; New-martyr John of Thasos, Commemorated December 20 ; New Martyr John of Thasos was from the village of Marias on the island of Thasos. In his youth he was brought to Constantinople and apprenticed to a tailor. day he was seized by the Turks and accused of insulting the Moslem religion. They tried to force him to accept Islam, but he would not agree to renounce the Christian Faith, for which he was beheaded at the age of eighteen in the year 1652.

Constantinople, 1657, Gabriel II, Patriarch, Serb, alms from Romania& Russia, service books for Russia, Jesuit slander, martyred
Constantinople Patriarch, 1657, Gabriel II of Constantinople; St Gabriel I the Patriarch, Commemorated on August 30; Gabriel I, Patriarch of Serbia (family name Raicha), occupied the cathedra in the mid-seventeenth century, a time when the Moslem fanaticism had become intense. In the urgent need for both cathedral and country the saint went to collect alms at Walachia, and from there to Moscow. Moscow in 1655, he was present with the Patriarch of Antioch at a Church Council which sought to correct various aspects of church service books in accord with the Greek and Old Slavonic texts. The saint brought several manuscripts and three liturgies printed in the south as gifts to the Russian Church. saint returned to Serbia with generous alms for his Church and country. His cathedra had been given to another occupant, and moreover, Austrian Jesuits had slandered him with treason before the vizier. The saint’s innocence was obvious, because the vizier pretended he would spare his life and grant him an important official position, if the saint would betray his faith in the Savior. “I am completely innocent of state crimes,” said Saint Gabriel, “this you admit yourself. I shall never agree to save my life by betraying the Christian Faith while I remain of sound mind. Keep your riches and honors, for I don’t need them.” After harsh torture, Saint Gabriel was hanged in October 1659. the general service of the Serblyak (collective services to Serbian saints) on August 30 are also remembered: Saint Iakov, Archbishop of Serbia (February 3, 1292), the holy Bishop Gregory (a descendant of the renowned Nehemanicha lineage), and also the saints: Archbishop Savva III (1305-1316), and the Patriarchs Cyril, Nikon, John, Maximus.

Constantinople, 1664, Quick to Hear Icon, Docheiariou monastery, Mt Athos, smoke darkening, blinded, MOG quick to hear
Greece, 1664, Quick to Hear Icon, Docheiariou monastery, Mt Athos, smoke darkening, blinded, MOG quick to hear, Neophytos' time, do not come this way, darkening my icon with smoke, ignored, struck blind, realized who spoke, remained before icon until forgiven by MOG, received sight, monks come to me and I will hear you quickly, countless miracles, blind receive their sight, paralytics are healed, barren women conceive children, and captives are set free when they approach the Theotokos with faith and reverence; Docheiariou monastery; Icon of the Mother of God "Quick to Hear", Commemorated November 9 ; wonderworking "Quick to Hear" Icon of the Mother of God is kept at Dokheiarίou Monastery on Mount Athos, and is believed to date from the XI century, during the time of Saint Neophytos, the Igoumen of the Monastery. the wonderworking Portaitissa Icon, the most famous Icon on Mount Athos is an ancient fresco of the Panagia located outside on the east wall of the trapeza, and to the right of the entrance. 1664 the Monk Neilos, the steward of the trapeza, often passed before the Icon holding a lit torch in his hand so he could carry out his duties in the trapeza. One day, he heard a voice say to him: "Do not come this way again with your torches, darkening my Icon with smoke." did not pay much attention to the voice, thinking that someone was playing a joke on him. It was not long before he heard the voice again saying, "O monk, unworthy of the name, how long will you continue to darken my Icon with smoke?" hearing the voice, Neilos was struck blind. Then he remembered that he had heard the voice before, and realized that he deserved this punishment, for he did not heed the command of the Mother of God, but had ignored it in his ignorance. next morning, the brethren found him laying on the floor of the corridor before the Icon, unable to see them. When they learned why Neilos had been punished, the monks were terrified. From that time on, they passed by the Icon with great reverence, and hung an unsleeping lamp before it. however, did not want to return to his cell. He remained before the Icon in a stasidi, calling upon the Theotokos with tears and lamentations to forgive him for the sin he had committed. He begged her to restore his sight, as a sign of her forgiveness, so that he might gaze upon her Icon and glorify her. was not disappointed in his hopes, for the Mother of God heard the prayers of her repentant servant. He heard her voice a third time, saying, "Monk, your prayer has been heard. You are forgiven, and you shall receive your sight again. Declare to the other Fathers and brethren who struggle here that I am the Mother of God, and that after God, I am the shelter and help and mighty protector of this Monastery of the Archangels, providing for it as its defender and guide. From now on, let the monks come to me for all their needs, and I will hear them quickly, as well as all Orthodox Christians who come to me with reverence, for I am called Quick to Hear." soon this miracle and the promise of the Theotokos became known throughout the Holy Mountain, and monks from the other Monasteries came to Dokheiarίou to venerate the Icon, and to see the monk who had regained his sight. The corridor was closed off and a chapel was built to house the "Quick to Hear" Icon. One of the most devout and accomplished Hieromonks is appointed to be present in the chapel. He is known as the prosmonarios, and he is there most of the time to chant Canons of Supplication before the Icon, which he censes every evening and morning, tending the chapel, and trimming the oil lamps. "Quick to Hear" Icon venerated not only on the Holy Mountain, but also by Orthodox Christians all over the world. Countless miracles of healing are worked by the Mother of God through her Holy Icon. The blind receive their sight, paralytics are healed, barren women conceive children, and captives are set free when they approach the Theotokos with faith and reverence. copy of the "Quick to Hear Icon" was painted on Mount Athos and was sent as a gift from the Russian and other devout monks of the Holy Mountain to Archbishop Tikhon (later Patriarch of Moscow) of the Aleutian Islands and North America. May of 1906 that copy of the famous "Quick to Hear” Icon at Dokheiarίou Monastery was carried to Saint Tikhon's Monastery (in Walmart, PA) in a solemn Cross Procession, along with several others, including one of the Holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon. relics of several saints were placed in the Icon. These include the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratēlátēs (Feb. 8), Saints Cosmas and Damian the Unmercenary Physicians, Saint Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessaloniki (Nov. 14), and the Holy New Martyr Constantine of Mount Athos, who was born on the island of Hydra and suffered at the hands of the Turks on the island of Rhodes on November 14, 1800. "Quick to Hear" Icon is now on the iconostasis of Saint Tikhon's Monastery church.

Constantinople, 1669, Deposition of Joseph's relics, incorrupt emitting divine fragrance, holiness discovered after death
Greece, 1669, Gaitanios, Zakynthos, Deposition of the Holy Relics of Saint Joseph Samakos the Sanctified, his holiness only discovered when his relics recovered, incorrupt emitting divine fragrance, miracleworker rep established after death, plus blind&deaf healings; Gaitanios, Zakynthos; Deposition of the Holy Relics of Saint Joseph Samakos the Sanctified (1669), Commemorated on August 29; Joseph the Sanctified reposed on January 22, 1511 when he was about seventy years old, and was buried in his monastery. holiness was recognized at the recovery of his relics, because they were found incorrupt and emitting a divine fragrance. were deposited in the katholikon of the monastery. after his death he established his reputation as a miracle worker. There were continuous miracles where many sick persons were healed, including the blind and possessed. 1669 the Ottomans occupied Heraklion in Crete, and so the devout clergyman Anthony Armakis transferred the sacred relics of Saint Joseph to Zakynthos on August 29, 1669 and placed them in the Monastery of Saint John of Mantineos in Xerobounia. There the Saint's relics remained until 1915, when they were placed in the parish church of the Pantokrator at Gaitanios, Zakynthos.

Constantinople, 1669-1681, Damascene, Monastic of Athos Larva &oGalatea (north shore of the Golden Horn) beheaded by Moslems
Constantinople, 1669-1681, Damascene, Monastic of t Athos Larva &oGalatea (north shore of the Golden Horn), orphaned young, undiciplined, caught, islam convert to save himself, fled to Athos Larva, became monk, 12 yrs, great schema, blesed for martyrdom, proclaimed Christ in Mosques including Hagia Sophia, nothing happened, went to Sultan, ignored, more mosques, went to kadi and grand viser, condemned, beheaded; Monastic Martyr Damascene of the Lavra, Commemorated on November 13; Damascene was a monk from Constantinople. His parents Kyriakos and Kyriake lived in the Galatea district of the city, and they named their son Diamantes. at a young age, and without parental guidance, the boy became rather undisciplined in his conduct. One day he was caught doing something unlawful, and in order to save himself he agreed to convert to Islam. Later he came to his senses and repented his denial of Christ. Fleeing to the Holy Mountain, he became a monk at the Lavra, receiving the name Damascene. twelve years he labored in prayer and asceticism, and was tonsured into the Great Schema. Finally, he revealed to his spiritual Father his desire for martyrdom. Receiving a blessing for this struggle, he cut his hair and dressed as a sailor. the church of Hagia Sophia, which had been turned into a mosque, the monk Damascene made the Sign of the Cross and proclaimed Christ as the true God. Since the Moslems did nothing to him, he went to the Sultan Mehmed mosque and repeated his confession of faith, calling the Moslems ignorant and deceived because they did not believe in Christ. Those who heard him thought he was insane. next day Saint Damascene went to the vizier’s courtyard and shouted at those he found there, “Your faith is not true. Christ is the true God, and only the faith of Christ is true.” Not surprisingly, he was seized and beaten, then chased away. He continued to proclaim Christ in other places, but everyone thought he was crazy, and they ignored him. a Sunday, the holy martyr went to the Tophana mosque, where many Moslems had gathered. Again he was seized and beaten. This time, however, he was sent to the kadi and then to the Grand Vizier, Kara Mustapha. Seeing that the saint would not change his mind and live as a Moslem, the Vizier sentenced him to death. November 13, 1681, Saint Damascene was led to the Phanar, where he was forced to kneel before the gates of the Patriarchate. Thanking God for allowing him to fulfill the exploit of martyrdom, he bent his neck and was beheaded. The relics of the holy New Martyr Damascene were taken to Chalki and enshrined in the church of the Holy Trinity. Galatea (Constantinople);

Constantinople, 1671-1704, Selim I Giray, Crimean Khan, 4 times Khan, first time lost to Pochaev Icon
Mongol, Crimea, 1671-1704, Crimean Khan, Selim I Giray; I Giray, Selim Khan Girai (Crimean Tatar: I Selim Geray, Turkish: 1. Selim Giray) was four times khan of the Crimean Khanate in the period from 1671 to 1704. During this time Crimean khans were regularly appointed and replaced by the Ottomans. The main events of the period were the continuing conflicts in Ukraine, the Russian capture of Azov and the Great Turkish War during which the Turks were pushed back from Vienna to about the line of Belgrade. Unlike other khans of the period, he ruled well and had no conflicts with his nobles. He was born in 1631. khans were the direct descendants of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Emperor. After the death of Genghis Khan (1227) the empire was partitioned and the part in East Europe and Northwest Asia was named Golden Horde. The Golden Horde khans embraced Islam. region which was also called Desht-i Qipchaq was the home of Kypchak Turks and the khanate was Turkified. the early 15th century Golden Horde was further partitioned. One of the parts was the Crimean Khanate founded in and around the Crimean Peninsula, modern Ukraine in 1441. 1478, Giray was the name of the dynasty of khans. However, after partitioning, the parts of the khanate were no longer the major powers in the East Europe and in 1478 after an Ottoman campaign to Cremea, the Crimean Khanate had to accept the suzerainty of the Ottoman Empire. Being the main Moslem vassal of the empire, Crimean Khanate had a privileged status in the Ottoman Empire. father Bahadır I Giray (1637) was one of the many sons of Selâmet I Giray (1608). Selyamet was the ancestor of most subsequent khans. He had 10 daughters and either 10 or 13 sons, five of whom were khans. Among his sons were Devlet II Giray (1699, 1709), Gazi III Giray (1704), Qaplan I Giray (1707, 1713, 1730), Saadet IV Giray (1717), Meñli II Giray (1724, 1737) and Selâmet II Giray (1740) and Azamet, Adil, Muhamed, Shabaz, Maksud, Sahib and Safa. Most subsequent khans were descended from Devlet II, except for the sons of Saadet and Selyamet and the son and grandson of Qaplan. reign (1671-1678)[edit] was appointed as the khan in 1671 while he was in retirement at 'Cholmek' near Yambol in modern in Bulgaria. It is said that he obtained the khanship by bribing vizier Kologi.[1] His kalga and nureddin were his brother Selyamet and his cousin Safa. He was immediately called to fight in the Polish–Ottoman War (1672–76). Howorth[2] says that he and his two sons contributed to the capture of Kamianets-Podilskyi. He captured many prisoners in Pokutia and Volhynia but was forced to abandon them by Jan Sobieski. When the Nogais near Akkerman revolted against the Porte Selim forced them to move to Crimea, but they drifted back. 1676 the pro-Turkish Doroshenko was defeated at Chyhyryn by the Russians and forced to abdicate. In 1677 Turkish and Crimean troops were sent to re-take Chyryhin. The Russians barely won the siege, Selim received part of the blame and was removed. See Russo-Turkish War (1676–1681). He spent the winter in Kaffa and retired to Rhodes. was followed by Murad Giray and then Haci II Giray. In 1683 Murad was removed for his part in the Turkish defeat at Vienna. Haci was soon driven out by the Crimean nobles. reign (1684-1691)[edit] Turkish disaster at Vienna led to the so-called Great Turkish War (1683-1699) in which all the neighboring powers ganged up to push the Turks south. Russia’s role was to send two expeditions against Crimea (Crimean campaigns of 1687 and 1689). Both failed due to supply problems, but they kept Crimean troops away from the main fighting in the west. In 1688 Selim defeated some Austrians. In 1689 he was again successful near Belgrade, but his son was killed. He chose to resign the khanship and make the pilgrimage to Mecca. On his return he settled at an estate called ‘Kazikui near Silivri’. [3] was followed by Saadet III Giray who was removed after less than a year. The next khan, Safa Giray of Crimea, was replaced by Selim at Crimean request. Saadet failed the Turks militarily and Safa was accused of drunkenness, among other things, Reign (1692-1699)[edit] kalga was his son Devlet. His nureddin was Shahin, the son of his nephew Selyamet. His reign was dominated by three problems: fighting in the Balkans, raiding and fighting in Ukraine and the Russian capture of Azov. 1692 he was immediately called to fight in the Balkans. In September 1695 he was again called west and took part in the battle of Lippa or Lugos. (see de:Friedrich von Veterani) the Azov campaigns (1695–96) Peter the Great tried to capture Azov, the second campaign being successful. Russia held Azov until 1711. Crimeans raided Domanchov (1692), Poltava (1692,1693) and Pereiaslav (1694). In return the Cossacks raided Ochakov and Perekop. Following the Azov campaigns the Cossacks built forts near the mouth of the Don and Crimeans raided toward Lemburg (1697). Crimeans fought Poles at the Battle of Podhajce (1698). is not clear why Selim chose to leave the throne. He retired to an esate near Silivri. His departure roughly coincided with the Treaty of Karlowitz (1699) which ended the Great Turkish War and the Treaty of Constantinople (1700) which ended Russian involvement in the same war. this time Selim suffered from gout and moved to various places near Istanbul in hope of a cure. Selim was followed by his son Devlet II Giray. Devlet was removed and replaced by his father (fourth reign) because of conflicts with his brothers and because of his provocative hostility to Russia. reign (1702–1704)[edit] 71-year old Selim appointed his sons Gazi and Qaplan as kalga and nureddin. In 1704 Selim warned the Porte of Russian expansionism, just as his son had done. He died in Bahçesaray, Crimea and was buried in the tomb of the mosque named after him (22 July 1704). He was followed by Gazi III Giray (1704), Qaplan I Giray (1707) and Devlet II Giray again (1709). a war hero, Selim is also known for his talent as a poet and a musician. As a poet, he wrote the zafername (book of victories) about his victories against Russians at Perekop. During his frequent stays in İstanbul, he supported musicians like Hafız Post (1630–1694). Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated on July 23; Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks, Commemorated on July 23; of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God is among the most revered sacred objects of the Orthodox Church. Located in the Dormition Cathedral at Pochaev, Ukraine, the Icon is reknowned throughout the entire Slavic world, and is venerated in Russia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and in other places. Christians of other confessions also venerate the Pochaev Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The wonderworking Icon has been treasured at the Pochaev Lavra for over 400 years. miracles have taken place before the holy Icon, and these are recorded in special books at the monastery. The books contain the personal testimonies of people who prayed before the Pochaev Icon and were healed of their illnesses, delivered from unclean spirits, or freed from captivity. Many sinners were also brought to repentance. Feast Day in honor of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God was appointed to commemorate the deliverance of the Dormition Lavra from a siege by the Turks on July 20-23, 1675. the summer of 1675 during the Zbarazhsk War with the Turks, in the reign of the Polish King Jan Sobesski (1674-1696), regiments composed of Tatars under the command of Khan Nurredin via Vishnevets fell upon the Pochaev monastery, surrounding it on three sides. The weak monastery walls and its stone buildings did not offer much protection against a siege. Igoumen Joseph Dobromirsky urged the brethren and laypeople to pray to their heavenly intercessors, the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job of Pochaev (October 28). monks and the people prayed fervently, prostrating themselves before the wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God, and the reliquary containing the relics of Saint Job. At sunrise on the morning of July 23, as the Tatars prepared to attack the monastery, the Igoumen ordered an Akathist to the Theotokos to be sung. At the opening words, “O Queen of the Heavenly Hosts,” the Mother of God suddenly appeared over the church, in “an unfurled radiant white omaphorion,” with angels holding unsheathed swords. Saint Job stood beside the Mother of God, bowing to her and beseeching her to defend the monastery. Tatars believed that the heavenly army was a vision, and in their confusion they started shooting arrows at the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job, but the arrows turned backwards and wounded those who shot them. The enemy, gripped by terror, fled in panic, trampling upon and killing each other. The defenders of the monastery pursued them and took many prisoners. Later, some of the prisoners converted to the Orthodox Faith and remained at the monastery thereafter. the year 1721, Pochaev was occupied by the Uniates. Even during this difficult time for the Lavra, the monastery Chronicle lists 539 miracles of the Pochaev Icon. In the second half of the eighteenth century, a Uniate nobleman, Count Nicholas Pototski, became a benefactor of the Pochaev Lavra through the following miraculous circumstance. After accusing his coachman of overturning the carriage with runaway horses, the Count took out a pistol to shoot him. The coachman, turning towards the mountain of Pochaev, stretched out his hands and cried: "Mother of God, depicted in the Pochaev Icon, save me!” times Pototski tried to shoot the pistol, which had never failed him, but the weapon misfired and the coachman remained alive. Pototski went at once to the wonderworking Icon and resolved to devote himself and all his property to building up the monastery. With the money he contributed, the Dormition cathedral was built, as well as other buildings for the brethren. return of the Pochaev Monastery to the Orthodox Church in 1832 was marked by the miraculous healing of the blind maiden Anna Akimchukova, who had come on pilgrimage to the holy shrine along with her seventy-year-old grandmother from Kremenets-Podolsk, 200 versts away. In memory of this event, the Archbishop of Volhynia and Archimandrite Innocent of the Lavra (1832-1840) appointed that an Akathist be read on Saturdays before the wonderworking Icon. During the time of Archimandrite Agathangelus, Archbishop of Volhynia (1866-1876), a separate chapel was built in the galleries of the Holy Trinity church, which was dedicated on July 23, 1875 in memory of the victory over the Tatars. wonderworking Pochaev Icon is also commemorated on Friday of Bright Week, and on September 8.

Constantinople, 1675, Zbarazhsk War with the Turks, Zbarazh Castle, H R Source, Volhynia, W Ukraine
Zbarazhsk Castle; Zbarazhsk War with the Turks 1675; Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks, Commemorated on July 23;

Constantinople, 1675, Turkish siege Pochaev on July 20-23, 1675
Volynia, Turkish siege on July 20-23, 1675; Crimean-Nogai Raids; Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks, Commemorated on July 23;

Constantinople, 1675, Pochaev Icon saves Pochaev Monastery from Tartars and Turks
Pochaev; Pochayiv Lavra; Uniates; Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated on July 23; Commemoration of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks, Commemorated on July 23; of the Miraculous Appearance of the Mother of God at Pochaev, which saved the Monastery from the assault of the Tatars and Turks Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God is among the most revered sacred objects of the Orthodox Church. Located in the Dormition Cathedral at Pochaev, Ukraine, the Icon is reknowned throughout the entire Slavic world, and is venerated in Russia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and in other places. Christians of other confessions also venerate the Pochaev Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The wonderworking Icon has been treasured at the Pochaev Lavra for over 400 years. miracles have taken place before the holy Icon, and these are recorded in special books at the monastery. The books contain the personal testimonies of people who prayed before the Pochaev Icon and were healed of their illnesses, delivered from unclean spirits, or freed from captivity. Many sinners were also brought to repentance. Feast Day in honor of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God was appointed to commemorate the deliverance of the Dormition Lavra from a siege by the Turks on July 20-23, 1675. the summer of 1675 during the Zbarazhsk War with the Turks, in the reign of the Polish King Jan Sobesski (1674-1696), regiments composed of Tatars under the command of Khan Nurredin via Vishnevets fell upon the Pochaev monastery, surrounding it on three sides. The weak monastery walls and its stone buildings did not offer much protection against a siege. Igoumen Joseph Dobromirsky urged the brethren and laypeople to pray to their heavenly intercessors, the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job of Pochaev (October 28). monks and the people prayed fervently, prostrating themselves before the wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God, and the reliquary containing the relics of Saint Job. At sunrise on the morning of July 23, as the Tatars prepared to attack the monastery, the Igoumen ordered an Akathist to the Theotokos to be sung. At the opening words, “O Queen of the Heavenly Hosts,” the Mother of God suddenly appeared over the church, in “an unfurled radiant white omaphorion,” with angels holding unsheathed swords. Saint Job stood beside the Mother of God, bowing to her and beseeching her to defend the monastery. Tatars believed that the heavenly army was a vision, and in their confusion they started shooting arrows at the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Job, but the arrows turned backwards and wounded those who shot them. The enemy, gripped by terror, fled in panic, trampling upon and killing each other. The defenders of the monastery pursued them and took many prisoners. Later, some of the prisoners converted to the Orthodox Faith and remained at the monastery thereafter. the year 1721, Pochaev was occupied by the Uniates. Even during this difficult time for the Lavra, the monastery Chronicle lists 539 miracles of the Pochaev Icon. In the second half of the eighteenth century, a Uniate nobleman, Count Nicholas Pototski, became a benefactor of the Pochaev Lavra through the following miraculous circumstance. After accusing his coachman of overturning the carriage with runaway horses, the Count took out a pistol to shoot him. The coachman, turning towards the mountain of Pochaev, stretched out his hands and cried: "Mother of God, depicted in the Pochaev Icon, save me!” times Pototski tried to shoot the pistol, which had never failed him, but the weapon misfired and the coachman remained alive. Pototski went at once to the wonderworking Icon and resolved to devote himself and all his property to building up the monastery. With the money he contributed, the Dormition cathedral was built, as well as other buildings for the brethren. return of the Pochaev Monastery to the Orthodox Church in 1832 was marked by the miraculous healing of the blind maiden Anna Akimchukova, who had come on pilgrimage to the holy shrine along with her seventy-year-old grandmother from Kremenets-Podolsk, 200 versts away. In memory of this event, the Archbishop of Volhynia and Archimandrite Innocent of the Lavra (1832-1840) appointed that an Akathist be read on Saturdays before the wonderworking Icon. During the time of Archimandrite Agathangelus, Archbishop of Volhynia (1866-1876), a separate chapel was built in the galleries of the Holy Trinity church, which was dedicated on July 23, 1875 in memory of the victory over the Tatars. wonderworking Pochaev Icon is also commemorated on Friday of Bright Week, and on September 8. Uncovering of the relics of the Venerable Job, Abbot and Wonderworker of Pochaev, Commemorated August 28 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev, Commemorated September 8 ; Venerable Job the Abbot of Pochaev, Commemorated October 10 ; Repose of the Venerable Job, Abbot and Wonderworker of Pochaev, Commemorated on October 28;

Constantinople, 1687-1691, Suleiman II, Ottoman Empire Sultan
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1687-1691, Suleiman II; St Demetrius of Basarabov, Commemorated on October 27; Venerable Romanus the Martyr, Commemorated on January 5; Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12;

Constantinople, 1689-1714, Saint Anthony t Hesychast, solitary, cave, deamon struggles, chapel church w angels, Oltenia revival
Romania, 1689-1714, Saint Anthony the Hesychast, Vilcea county (Olt River 14), solitary found cave for cell, struggled against deamons, day work night virgil, fasting prostrations, & chapel church w angels for prayer & services, long fasts, battles w unseen, heart tears, 2-3 hrs sleep, bread crumbs & vegetables, Jesus prayer, psalms, visitors for spiritual advice & consolation, genuine Oltenia spiritual revival; Vilcea county ; Venerable Anthony of Iezerul-Vilcea Skete, Commemorated November 23, Saint Anthony the Hesychast was born in the sub-Carpathian Mountains of Vilcea county in Romania; Anthony the Hesychast was born in the sub-Carpathian Mountains of Vâlcea county in Romania, and he loved Christ from his early childhood. visited many of the monasteries and sketes in that area, conversing with several hesychasts who sought quietude in the mountains. had a profound effect upon his life, and in time, he entered the monastic life at Iezeru Skete in the beautiful wilderness of Vâlcea. 1690, after he had acquired experience in the ascetical life, the Igoumen blessed him to live as a solitary a few kilometers above Iezeru Skete on the mountain of the same name. walked from place to place searching for a stone cave for his cell and a chapel. he found a small cave, where he glorified God and struggled against the demons. true hesychasts know what great temptations and trials face those who wish to live as solitaries. Anthony labored for three years, digging a chapel out of the cliffside with only a hammer and chisel. He worked during the day, and kept vigil by night. cave was a shelter for his body, exhausted by his fasting and prostrations. his soul was not at rest because there was no church nearby, where he could lift up his heart and hands in prayer day and night. From time to time, a hieromonk from the Skete would come to serve the Divine Liturgy on Feast Days and during the fasts. praying to the Mother of God, he began to hollow out a space for a small chapel. When it was finished, it was consecrated by Bishop Hilarion of Râmnicu Vâlcea. this little chapel, the blessed one prayed unceasingly, together with the Angels in heaven, reading the daily services, and making hundreds of prostrations. can describe his long fasts for three days and more, his all-night vigils, his battles with unseen enemies who cannot abide the humility and hardships of the saints, his fervent prayer and incessant tears from his heart? never slept for more than two or three hours a night, nor did he eat anything but breadcrumbs soaked in water and salt, with a few vegetables that he grew in his little garden. repeated the Jesus Prayer unceasingly from his heart, and he read the Psalms with many tears of humility. Anthony’s holy life became known throughout the area, and many of the clergy and laity flocked to him for spiritual advice or consolation in their sorrows. received them with love, gave them the help they needed, and then sent them home in peace. Through his influence, a genuine spiritual revival took place in sub-Carpathian Oltenia. Anthony fell asleep in the Lord in 1714 after twenty-five years of spiritual struggles. disciples mourned him, and buried him beside his small chapel. The faithful still go there to light candles and to pray, asking for his blessing and assistance. Anthony the Hesychast was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Romania in 1992. inscription on St. Anthony's scroll reads “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”

Constantinople, 1690-1716, Anthimus tGeorgian, Turk slave, Romanian Metroplitn, author, printer, woodcarver, builder, R spirit L
Georgia, 1690-1716, Anthimus the Georgian, Georgia (Iberia, the land of St George), Orthodox, captured by Turks invading Georgia, slave in Constantinople, Greek, Arabic, Turkish, skilled woodcarving, embroidery, painting, Escaped tEcumenical Patriarchate, invited to Wallachia by Constantine Brancoveanu for his talents, became monk 1691, later priest, royal print shop iBucharest, printing house iSnagov Monastery, printed 63 books iRomanian, Greek, Arabic, Georgian, author 38 oThem, Igumen 1696, Bishop Rimnicu-Vilcea 1705, Metropolitan Wallachia 1708, schools, churches, monasteries, spiritual legacy Romanian Church, arrested by Turks 1716, tSt Catherines Mt Sinai, killed along the way; Georgia (country) ; Saint Anthimus the Georgian, Commemorated on September 27; Anthimus was born in Georgia, and his parents were called John and Mary. The child received the name Andrew in Baptism, and his parents raised him as an Orthodox Christian. was captured by Turks who invaded Georgia when he was young, he was one of many who were made slaves in Constantinople. he learned to speak Greek, Arabic, and Turkish, and also became skilled in woodcarving, embroidery, and painting. a few years as a slave, Andrew escaped and fled to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for refuge. 1690, Andrew was invited to Wallachia by Prince Constantine Brancoveanu (August 16), who had heard of his talents. a year or so, he became a monk and received the name Anthimus. he was ordained to the holy priesthood. was placed in charge of the royal print shop in Bucharest, and later set up a printing house in the Snagov Monastery. monastery printed sixty-three books in Romanian, Greek, Arabic, and Georgian. Anthimus was the author of thirty-eight of them. He was chosen to be the igumen of Snagov in 1696. saint was consecrated as Bishop of Rimnicu-Vilcea in 1705, three years later he was made Metropolitan of Wallachia. Metropolitan, he established schools for poor children, and built churches and monasteries. Since he was a woodcarver, he used his talent to beautify many churches. Anthimus was a zealous pastor who satisfied his flock’s hunger for spiritual knowledge. in the Romanian language, he taught them the saving truths of Orthodoxy, and offered words of encouragement and consolation. His edifying books and sermons are part of the spiritual legacy of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Anthimus was arrested by the Turks in 1716 and sentenced to be exiled at Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mt. Sinai, but he never arrived at his destination. September 27, 1716, he was killed by the soldiers who were escorting him. cut his body into little pieces and threw them into the Tungia River, south of the Danube. Thus, the faithful servant of Christ received the crown of martyrdom. Anthimus was a true shepherd of his flock, and a father to his clergy. He was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Romania in 1992.

Constantinople, 1691-1695, Ahmed II, Sultan , in prison 43 years, executed previous officials, recap Belgrade, then lost Transyl
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1691-1695, Ahmed II; II (25 February 1643 or 1 August 1642[1] – 6 February 1695) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1691 to 1695. 1 Early life 2 Reign 3 Family 4 References 4.1 Works cited 5 Further reading 6 External links life[edit] II was born on 25 February 1643 or 1 August 1642, the son of Sultan Ibrahim and Muazzez Sultan. On 21 October 1649, Ahmed along with his brothers Mehmed and Suleiman were circumcised. [2] the reigns of his older brothers, Ahmed was imprisoned in Kafes, and he stayed there almost 43 years. mausoleum of Ahmed II is located inside the türbe of Suleiman the Magnificent. (In the above picture, his tomb is seen side by side with Suleiman II and Suleiman the Magnificent). section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) his reign, Sultan Ahmed II devoted most of his attention to the wars against the Habsburgs and related foreign policy, governmental and economic issues. Of these, the most important were the tax reforms and the introduction of the lifelong tax farm system (malikane) (see tax farming). Following the recovery of Belgrade under his predecessor, Suleiman II, the military frontier reached a rough stalemate on the Danube, with the Habsburgs no longer able to advance south of it, and the Ottomans attempting, ultimately unsuccessfully, to regain the initiative north of it. the most important features of Ahmed's reign was his reliance on Köprülüzade FazÄ±l Mustafa Pasha. Following his accession to the throne, Sultan Ahmed II confirmed Köprülüzade FazÄ±l Mustafa Pasha in his office as grand vizier. In office from 1689, FazÄ±l Mustafa Pasha was from the Köprülü family of grand viziers, and like most of his Köprülü predecessors in the same office, was an able administrator and military commander. Like his father Köprülü Mehmed Pasha (grand vizier 1656–61) before him, he ordered the removal and execution of dozens of corrupt state officials of the previous regime and replaced them with men loyal to himself. He overhauled the tax system by adjusting it to the capabilities of the taxpayers affected by the latest wars. He also reformed troop mobilization and increased the pool of conscripts available for the army by drafting tribesmen in the Balkans and Anatolia. In October 1690 he recaptured Belgrade, a key fortress that commanded the confluence of the rivers Danube and Sava; in Ottoman hands since 1521, the fortress had been conquered by the Habsburgs in 1688. Ä±l Mustafa Pasha's victory at Belgrade was a major military achievement that gave the Ottomans hope that the military debacles of the 1680s—which had led to the loss of Hungary and Transylvania, an Ottoman vassal principality ruled by pro-Istanbul Hungarian princes— could be reversed. However, the Ottoman success proved ephemeral. On 19 August 1691, FazÄ±l Mustafa Pasha suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Slankamen at the hands of Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden, the Habsburg commander in chief in Hungary, nicknamed “Türkenlouisâ€ (Louis the Turk) for his victories against the Ottomans. In the confrontation, recognized by contemporaries as “the bloodiest battle of the century,â€ the Ottomans suffered heavy losses: 20,000 men, including the grand vizier. With him, the sultan lost his most capable military commander and the last member of the Köprülü family, who for the previous half century had been instrumental in strengthening the Ottoman military. FazÄ±l Mustafa Pasha's successors, the Ottomans suffered further defeats. In June 1692 the Habsburgs conquered Várad (Oradea, Romania), the seat of an Ottoman governor (beylerbeyi) since 1660. In 1694 they attempted to recapture Várad, but to no avail. On 12 January 1695, they surrendered the fortress of Gyula, the center of an Ottoman sanjak or subprovince since 1566. With the fall of Gyula, the only territory still in Ottoman hands in Hungary was to the east of the River Tisza and to the south of the river Maros, with its center at Temesvár. Three weeks later, on 6 February 1695, Ahmed II died in Edirne Palace. Venerable Romanus the Martyr, Commemorated on January 5; Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12;

Constantinople, 1694, Romanus tMartyr, Mt Athos Monk, Martyred aConstantinople, beheaded bTurks 1694, relics bShip tEngland
Greece, 1660-1694, Romanus the Martyr, fKarpenisi, Thessaly, Greece (Heraclea River Source), Mt Athos Monk, Martyred aConstantinople, beheaded bTurks 1694, relics bShip tEngland; Karpenisi, Thessaly, Greece ; Venerable Romanus the Martyr, Commemorated January 5 ; Martyr Romanus of Karpenisi was born in Karpenisi in central Greece. was a monk on Mount Athos for a time, suffered for Christ at Constantinople, by the Turks in the year 1694. relics were taken by ship to England.

Constantinople, 1695-1703, Mustafa II, Ottoman Sultan, determined to recapture Hungary but lost it, deposed
Constantinople, 1695-1703, Mustafa II, Ottoman Empire Sultan, Greek Turkish War, failed seige Vienna, lost large European area, determined to recapture Hungary from Hapsburgs, commanded armies, Navy recaptured Chios, Hapsburg Wars, Rus captured Azov Fortress, he defeats Hapsburgs twice, captures Timisoara, third campaign, defeated by H, treaty w Holy League, Most tramatic loss of Hungary treaty of Karlowitz 1699, he tried to restore Sultan power from Vizier, making cavalrymen hereditary and loyal, Edirne event mutiny, deposed; Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1695-1703, Mustafa II; II (6 February 1664 - 29 December 1703) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1695 to 1703. life[edit] Battle of Zenta was born at Edirne Palace on 6 February 1664. He was the son of Sultan Mehmed IV (1648–87) and Gülnuş Sultan, originally named Evmenia,[1] who was of Greek Cretan descent.[2][3][4] Mustafa II abdicated in favor of his brother Ahmed III (1703–30) in 1703. in Edirne, Mustafa's childhood passed here. While he was in Mora Yenişehiri with his father in 1669, he took the first lesson from Mehmed Efendi at the bed-i besinele ceremony. [5] The writing teacher was the famous calligrapher Hafiz Osman. In 1675, he and his brother Ahmed were circumcised and his sisters Hatice Sultan and Fatma Sultan were married. [6] The celebration lasted 20 days. [7] Turkish War[edit] his reign the Great Turkish War, which had started in 1683, was still going on. After the failure of the second Siege of Vienna (1683) the Holy League had captured large parts of the Empire's territory in Europe. The Habsburg armies came as far as Niš, modern-day Serbia, before being pushed back across the Danube by 1690. Sultan Mustafa II was determined to recapture the lost territories in Hungary and therefore he personally commanded his armies. of Chios[edit] the Ottoman navy recaptured the island of Chios after defeating the Venetian Fleet twice, in the Battle of the Oinousses Islands (1695) and in the Battle of Chios (1695), in February 1695.[8][9] In June 1695, Mustafa II left Edirne for his first military campaign against the Habsburg Empire. By September 1695 the town of Lipova was captured. On 18 September 1695 the Venetian Navy was again defeated in the naval victory of Zeytinburnu. A few days later the Habsburg army was defeated in the Battle of Lugos. Afterwards the Ottoman Army returned to the capital. Meanwhile, the Ottoman fortress in Azov was successfully defended against the besieging Russian forces.[8] Mustafa attempted to realize his thoughts quickly, the island of Chios, which had previously fallen into the hands of the Venetians, was taken back at that time, the Crimean Tatars Shahbaz Giray entered the territory of Poland and proceeded to Lemberg, and returned with many captives and booty. were reports that the Venetians were influenced by the Ottoman forces on the Herzegovina front in Peloponnese. Especially the recovery of Chios was considered auspicious and was celebrated with great festivities in Edirne. Meanwhile, the tips of the people were distributed to the locals. [10] wars[edit] April 1696 Mustafa II left Edirne for his second military campaign against the Habsburg Empire. In August 1696 the Russians besieged Azov for the second time and captured the fortress. In August 1696 the Ottoman troops defeated the Habsburg army in the Battle of Ulaş and in the Battle of Cenei. After these victories the Ottoman troops captured Timișoara and Koca Cafer Pasha was appointed as the protector of Belgrade. Afterwards the army returned to the Ottoman capital.[8] June 1697 Mustafa II left the capital on his third military campaign against the Habsburg Empire. However, the Ottoman Army suffered a defeat in the Battle of Zenta and Grand Vizier Elmas Mehmed Pasha died in the battle. Afterwards the Ottomans signed a treaty with the Holy League.[8] most traumatic event of his reign was the loss of Hungary by the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699. even if Ottoman power seemed to wane on one side of the empire, this did not mean that Ottoman efforts at expansion ceased. 1700, for example, the Grand Vizier Amcazade Hüseyin boasted to a recalcitrant tribe residing in swamps near Baghdad that they ought to abide by the sultan's rule, since his grasp extended even to their marshy redoubts. Grand Vizier added that, after all, Mustafa II was "the Lord of Water and Mud."[11] the end of his reign, Mustafa II sought to restore power to the Sultanate, which had been an increasingly symbolic position since the middle of the 17th century, when Mehmed IV had signed over his executive powers to the Grand Vizier. II's strategy was to create an alternative base of power for himself by making the position of timars, the Ottoman cavalrymen, hereditary and thus loyal to him. The timars, however, were at this point increasingly an obsolete part of the Ottoman military machine. strategem failed, the disaffected troops bound to a Georgian campaign mutinied in the capital (called the "Edirne event" by historians), and Mustafa was deposed on 22 August 1703. as red beard, short neck, medium height and majestic. Mustafa II has a miniature made by Levni. After 1699, like his father, he was interested in hunting and entertainment, engaged in literature and wrote poems with the pseudonym. curiosity of this sultan, who had lines in the style of Celi, Nesih and Sulus was archery. Silahdar Findiklili Mehmed Agha, who was assigned to write the history of his period. He described Mustafa's reign in his book Nusretname. [12] Consorts Alicenab Kadın (died 20 April 1699, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in Darülhadis Mosque);[13] Saliha Sultan[13] (died 21 September 1739, Tırnakçı Palace, Istanbul, buried in Turhan Sultan Mausoleum, New Mosque); Şehsuvar Sultan[13] (died 27 April 1756, Topkapı Palace, Istanbul, buried in Nuruosmaniye Mosque); Afife Kadın;[13] Bahtiyar Kadın;[13] Ivaz Kadın;[13] Şahin Kadın;[14][13] Sons Mahmud I (2 August 1696 – 13 December 1754), son with Saliha Sultan;[13] Şehzade Suleiman (25 December 1697 – 25 December 1697, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in New Mosque), son with Afife Kadın;[13] Şehzade Mehmed (22 November 1698 – 5 June 1703, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in New Mosque), son with Afife Kadın;[13] Osman III (2/3 January 1699 – 30 October 1757), son with Şehsuvar Sultan;[13] Şehzade Hasan (16 April 1699 – 25 May 1733), became heir apparent from 1730. [13] Şehzade Hüseyn (7 May 1699 – 24 August 1700, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in New Mosque); Şehzade Selim (16 May 1700 – 8 June 1701, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in New Mosque), son with Afife Kadın;[13] Şehzade Ahmed (3 March 1703 – 7 September 1703, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in Darülhadis Mosque), son with Afife Kadın;[13] Daughters Ayşe Sultan (30 April 1696 – 26 September 1752, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); Emine Sultan (1 September 1696 – c. 1739, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); Safiye Sultan (13 December 1696 – 15 May 1778, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); Rukiye Sultan (13 November 1697 – 28 March 1698, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in Darülhadis Mosque); Hatice Sultan (14 February 1698 – died young, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in Darülhadis Mosque); Fatma Sultan (8 October 1699 – 20 May 1700, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); Ismihan Sultan (23 April 1700 – 1 June 1700); Ümmügülsüm Sultan (10 June 1700 – 1 May 1701, Edirne Palace, Edirne, buried in Darülhadis Mosque); Zeyneb Sultan (10 June 1700 – 18 December 1705, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); Emetullah Sultan (22 June 1701 – 12 April 1727, Istanbul, buried in New Mosque); the new sultan's return to Istanbul, after the Edirne Foundation and the state official. Mustafa and his princes were brought to Istanbul in the Topkapı Palace they were locked up in the Kafes. cage life lasted four months. He died of either sadness or an unknown cause on 29 December 1703. He was buried next to his grandmother, Turhan Hatice Sultan, in the New Mosque, Eminönü, Istanbul, Turkey. [12] Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12; New Martyr Argyra, Commemorated on April 30; Fathers martyred by the Dagestanians, Commemorated on June 1;

Constantinople, 1700-1799, 18th Century Folder, Ottoman E., Alliances with France and Prussia agaiinst Russia

Constantinople, 1703-1730, Ahmed III, Ottoma Sultan, reformer
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1703-1730, Ahmed III; III (Ottoman Turkish:‎, ) (30 December 1673 – 1 July 1736) was Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and a son of Sultan Mehmed IV (r. 1648–87). His mother was Gülnuş Sultan, originally named Evmenia Voria, who was an ethnic Greek.[1][2][3][4][5] He was born at HacÄ±oÄŸlu PazarcÄ±k, in Dobruja. succeeded to the throne in 1703 on the abdication of his brother Mustafa II (1695–1703).[6] NevÅŸehirli Damat Ä°brahim Pasha and the Sultan's daughter, Fatma Sultan (wife of the former) directed the government from 1718 to 1730, a period referred to as the Tulip Era. first days of Ahmed III's reign passed with efforts to appease the janissaries who were completely disciplined. However, he was not effective against the janissaries who made him sultan. Çorlulu Ali Pasha, who Ahmed brought to the Grand Vizier, tried to help him in administrative matters, made new arrangements for the treasury and Sultan. He supported Ahmed in his fight with his rivals. St Constantine Brancoveanu, Commemorated on August 16 ; Venerable Hierotheus the Younger of Iveron of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 13; Repose of St. Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on September 14; New Martyr Auxentius of Constantinople, Commemorated on January 25; Venerable Acacius the Younger of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 12; St Basil of Poiana Marului, Commemorated on April 15; New Martyr Argyra, Commemorated on April 30; Venerable Nicephorus of Chios, Commemorated on May 1; Monkmartyr Pachomius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 7; St Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia, Commemorated on June 13; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1705-1767, St Basil of Poiana Marului skete, Romania), hesychist, spiritual renewal, influence beyond Romania
Romania, 1705-1767, St Basil of Poiana Marului (Apple Orchard) skete, Romania (Olt River 8), hesychist, spiritual renewal, influence beyond Romania; Poiana Marului ; St Basil of Poiana Marului, Commemorated on April 15; Basil, the Elder of Saint Paisius Velichkovsky (November 15), was born toward the end of the seventeenth century. He received monastic tonsure at Dalhautsi-Focshani Skete in 1705 or 1706, laboring in asceticism with great fervor. Basil was ordained to the holy priesthood, and became igumen of Dalhautsi in 1715. He remained in that position for twenty years, and was a wise instructor of monks, teaching them obedience, humility, and the art of the Jesus Prayer. fame of this great spiritual Father began to spread, so that even Prince Constantine Mavrocordat heard of him. Saint Basil’s community became known as a spiritual school of hesychasm, based on the wisdom of the Holy Fathers. When the number of his disciples increased until there was no longer room for all of them at Dalhautsi, they settled in other Sketes in the area. In this way, his influence and teaching spread to other places, inspiring a spiritual renewal of Romanian monastic life in the eighteenth century. Basil renovated the Poiana Marului (Apple Orchard) Skete near the city of Romni-Sarat between 1730-1733, then moved there with twelve disciples. In addition to his duties as Igumen of Poiana Marului, Saint Basil was the spiritual guide of all the Sketes in the Buzau Mountains. One of his most famous disciples was Saint Paisius Velichkovsky, whom he tonsured on Mount Athos in 1750. holy Elder Basil also wrote introductions to the writings of Saints Gregory of Sinai, Nilus of Sora, and others who wrote about the spiritual life, guarding the mind, and on the Jesus Prayer. He taught that the Holy Scriptures are a “saving medicine” for the soul, and recommended reading the Holy Fathers in order to obtain a correct understanding of Scripture, and to avoid being led astray through misunderstanding. Saint Basil also warned against any inclination to excuse ourselves and our sins, for this hinders true repentance. Basil fell asleep in the Lord on April 25, 1767, leaving behind many disciples. His influence has been felt in other Orthodox countries beyond the borders of Romania.

Constantinople, 1710-1720, New Martyr Auxentius, from Epirus, encouraged martyrdom but first a monk, beheaded, d light, myrrh
Greece, 1710-1720, New Martyr Auxentius of Constantinople, from Ioannina Region, Epirus, Greece, furrier in C, sinful sailor, moslem traitors accused him of embracing Islam, small boat, desire for Martyrdom, Fr Gregory of Xeropotamou got in his boat, encouraged martyrdom but first become a monk, returned to old ship, beaten w iron bar, eye and teeth, urged viser to become christian, beheaded, heavenly light, sweet fragrance; Ioannina Region; New Martyr Auxentius of Constantinople, Commemorated January 25 ; holy New Martyr Auxentius was born in 1690 in the diocese of Vellas, part of the Metropolitan district of Ioannina in Greece. When he was a young man, he moved to Constantinople with his parents and became a furrier. he left his trade and went to work on the ships, leading a sinful life in pursuit of worldly pleasures. His Moslem coworkers turned against him and accused him of denying Christ to embrace Islam. Fearing that they would denounce him to the captain of the ship, Auxentius jumped ship and returned to Constantinople. bought a small boat and earned his living with it. He began to regret his previous conduct, and the desire for martyrdom grew within him. One day, a monk got into his boat in order to cross the water. This was Father Gregory, a monk of Xeropotamou Monastery on Mt. Athos. revealed to Father Gregory his desire to be a martyr for Christ. The wise monk praised his desire, but urged caution lest he should weaken under torture and deny Christ. He recommended that Auxentius move to a quiet place and become a monk. Heeding Father Gregory’s advice, Auxentius continued to work with his boat for a time, giving most of his money to the poor, and living as an ascetic. often prayed at the church of the Life-Giving Fountain, asking God to give him strength to become a martyr. Then he returned to his old ship, where his former shipmates began to beat him. They dragged him before the kadi, stating that he had converted to Islam, but then returned to Christianity. said, “I was, and am, an Orthodox Christian. I am prepared to suffer thousands of tortures for the sake of Christ.” furious Hagarenes began to beat Auxentius with an iron bar. He lost an eye and several teeth as a result. He remained steadfast in confessing Christ, in spite of all the tortures that were inflicted upon him, and absolutely refused to become a Moslem. Gregory went to see Auxentius in prison, and was asked to bring him Holy Communion on his next visit. The monk did this, also urging him to remain strong in the Orthodox Faith. holy martyr was brought before the vizier, who urged him to respect Islam as good and true, instead of treating it with contempt. Saint Auxentius answered that he would never abandon his faith. In fact, he even urged the vizier to become a Christian. This enraged the vizier, and he sentenced Auxentius to death. praying for all Orthodox Christians, and for the whole world, Saint Auxentius was beheaded on January 25, 1720 at 9:00 A.M. Two days later, a heavenly light was seen by Christians and Moslems, shining on the body of the martyr. sultan’s tailor, an Orthodox Christian named Michael, went to the sultan and asked for the body. Patriarch Jeremiah III accompanied the body to the Church of the Life-Giving Fountain for the funeral and burial. years later, when the saint’s relics were exhumed, a sweet fragrance came forth from them.

Constantinople, 1710-1770, George of Caucasian Iberia, Kartli, young slave, forced Islam, at 70 announced christian, martyred
Georgia, 1710-1770, George of Iberia, Caucasian Iberia, Kartli, Central Georgia, young, into slavery, forced to Islam, Mytilene shop owner, at 70 announced Orthodox christian, beaten, endured, hanged; Caucasian Iberia; New Martyr George of Iberia, Commemorated on January 2 ; George (Zorzes) was from Georgia, and was sold into slavery when he was young. His master, a Muslim from the Greek island of Mytilene, forced him to embrace Islam and renamed him Sali. After his master died, George remained on the island and opened a small shop. In 1770, when he was seventy years old, he appeared before the authorities and announced that he was an Orthodox Christian. The kadi thought that George had lost his mind, since his declaration would lead to his death. next day George was questioned again, and then he was beaten. He endured his torments with silence, but would not be turned from his confession of faith. After more torture, the holy martyr was hanged on January 2, 1770, receiving a crown of glory from the Savior Christ.

Constantinople, 1722, Nikodemos of Albania, Confessed wGod's power, no fear, survived precipice, incorrupt fragrant relics
Albania, 1722, Nikodemos of Albania, raised christian, became moslem, forced children follow, except one son who went Mt Athos, traveled M A in anger, but repented there and became monk, strict fast 3 yrs, weeping, begging, desire go back confess there, Akakios oKausokalyvia for instructions, addressed him by name not knowing him, withdrew to pray, light fHeaven shining like star on face, take tStaff before pasha, power oGod you will complete martyrdom well, ready to leave but weak fFasting, asked break fast, no, now more tEver must fast, walk much as yCan, Lord wStrengthen walk wEase, I fear deamons however, Fear God, Demons no authority of their own, hope Christ help you witness tHim, survived being pushed off precipice, Turks tortured 3days&nights, beheaded, showing no sign of fear, incorrupt fragrant relics still preserved, relics Skete St Anne; Albania, Albania lies between latitudes 39 and 43 N, and mostly between longitudes 19 and 21E ; New Monastic Martyr Νikόdēmos of Albania, Commemorated on July 11; New Monastic Martyr Νikόdēmos came from Elbasan, a town of Epirus (Albania) was raised by devout parents. he reached a suitable age, he married a Christian woman and they had several children. he associated with Turks, he was influenced by them and became a Moslem. even forced his children to follow his example, for one son, who was abducted by certain Christians and sent to Mount Athos. There he was tonsured as a monk. for the young man in order to convert him to Islam, the wretched father learned that he was on the Holy Mountain. traveled to Athos in great anger, vowing to cause serious trouble for the monasteries if he found his son there. Who desires that all may be saved, effected his salvation in a marvelous way. of finding his son and converting him, he himself came to his senses and repented. both Islam and the world, he became a monk at the Skete of Saint Anne, in the Kalyva (isolated cell) of the Ascension, with the new name of Νikόdēmos. repentance was such that he kept a strict fast for three years, weeping and begging God to forgive his terrible sin of apostasy. day he heard some of the Fathers saying that whoever denies Christ must go back to the same place and confess Him before men. that moment, he burned with a desire for martyrdom. he prepared himself through asceticism, fasting, and prayer. of Saint Akakios (April 12) of the Skete of Kausokalyvia [Καυσοκαλύβια], Νikόdēmos visited him in order to receive his blessing and his instructions. soon as Νikόdēmos beheld the Saint, he fell down at his feet and wept for a long time. Akakios took him by the hand and addressed him by name, although he did not know him. him up, he comforted him. Then he withdrew for a short distance and began to pray. who were present saw a light from Heaven, shining like a star, which illumined the Saint's face. he turned to Νikόdēmos and whispered something to him, and then the radiance disappeared. with contrition and by divine grace, Νikόdēmos cried out with a loud voice. Then he went into the cave and wept for a considerable time. he returned to Saint Akakios and asked for his blessing to go forth to martyrdom. him and placing a staff in his hand, the Saint said, "Take this staff and go before the pasha. By the power of God, you will complete your martyrdom well." Νikόdēmos took the staff, and was ready to leave at once to achieve his goal. weakened by fasting, he was not capable of walking all the way back to Elbasan. Therefore, he asked Saint Akakios if he might break his fast in order to strengthen himself for the journey. Saint replied, "Now, more than ever, you must fast, Brother, for soon you will be struggling for Christ. Walk as much as you can, and the Lord Who said 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' (Matthew 4:4), shall strengthen you to walk with ease." Martyr answered, "O Father, by your prayers, may our Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, and enable me to confess the good confession (I Timothy 6:12). I fear the demons, however." Akakios chided him, "Fear God, Brother, and not the demons who have no authority of their own over us. place all your hope in Christ, not only to vanquish the demons, but also to help you in bearing witness to Him." this, Νikόdēmos wept tears of joy. down to the ground and kissing the Saint's feet, he received his blessing and went on his way. he was still on the Holy Mountain, the Lord appeared to Νikόdēmos and encouraged him. He revealed all the trials that he would face, and even the site of his execution. by Christ, Νikόdēmos arrived at Elbasan. he was recognized by the Turks, arrested, and brought before the pasha, who tried to make him return to Islam. Νikόdēmos rejected the religion of the Turks and courageously confessed Christ. they took him to a high precipice and pushed him off. Miraculously, he floated down gently and landed on his feet. to the palace, he appeared before the pasha, who was terrified to see him alive. almost released Νikόdēmos, but fearing the mob of Turks, he turned the Martyr over to them. They tortured him for three days and nights before leading him to the place of execution. Along the way, they made him kneel several times, as if they intended to behead him. they reached the place which the Lord had revealed to him, Christ's Martyr showed no sign of fear. He bent his neck and was beheaded with a sword, and his soul went to Heaven with the crown of martyrdom on July 11, 1722. After the Saint's martyrdom, Christians buried him in the church of the Theotokos, his incorrupt and fragrant relics are still preserved, working miracles for those who run to him with faith. piece of his relics is also kept in the Skete of Saint Anne, where there is a manuscript with his Church Service. A new Service was composed by the monk John Danielidis and others.

Constantinople, 1730, MOG Icon Xenophon, fVatopedi monastery, Mt Athos, assumed stolen but MOG wanted go tXenophon
Greece, Mt Athos, 1730, MOG Icon Xenophon Hodgitria (MOG Icon), fVatopedi monastery, Mt Athos, 1730 assumed stolen but appeared at Xenophon Monastery, returned, happened again and again befor V monks realized MOG wanted go Xenophon; Vatopedi monastery ; Icon of the Mother of God "Xenophon Hodigitria", Commemorated January 21 ; to tradition, this wonderworking icon was for many years at the Vatopedi monastery on Mount Athos, the katholikon in front of a column on the left cliros. 1730, it mysteriously disappeared not only from the church, but also from the monastery. the doors were locked, the monks assumed that thieves had stolen it. they heard that the icon was at the monastery, a three hour journey from Vatopedi. monks were sent to return their spiritual treasure to the Vatopedi monastery. icon was restored to its former place, and the Fathers of the monastery took precautions to prevent the icon from being stolen again. the icon of the Mother of God left the Vatopedi monastery and appeared at Xenophon a second and third time. that this was actually a miraculous occurrence, the brethren of the monastery decided not to oppose the will of the Mother of God, and left the icon at Xenophon. a sign of their blessing, the brethren provided candles and oil for the icon. “Hodegetria” (Hodēgḗtria) Icon at Xenophon is in the katholikon, before a column on the left cliros, the very same place it occupied at the Vatopedi monastery.

Constantinople, 1730-1754, Mahmud I, Ottoman, reformer deposed, Hunchback, Took over, good relations w Persia
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1730-1754 , Mahmud I ; I (Ottoman Turkish: Ù…ØÙ…ÙˆØ¯ اول‎, Turkish: I. Mahmud, 2 August 1696 – 13 December 1754), known as The Hunchback, was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1730 to 1754. He took over the throne after the Patrona Halil rebellion and he kept good relations with Mughal and Safavid Empires. life[edit] was born at Edirne Palace on 2 August 1696, the son of Mustafa II (1664–1703); his mother was Saliha Sabkati Valide Sultan. Mahmud I was the older brother of Osman III (1754–57). He developed a humped back. father Mustafa II mostly lived in Edirne. Mahmud passed his childhood in Edirne. On 18 May 1702 he started his education in Edirne. When his father deposed himself from the throne he was brought to Istanbul and locked up in Kafes where he spent 27 years of his life. [1] is not known what kind of culture he acquired during this time, since he continued to play chess, write poetry, and deal with music. In addition for childhood and youth, there were dangers, especially for the Kafes life. [1] 28 September 1730, Patrona Halil with a small group of fellow Janissaries aroused some of the citizens of Constantinople who opposed the reforms of Ahmed III.[2] Sweeping up more soldiers Halil led the riot to the TopkapÄ± Palace and demanded the death of the grand vizer, NevÅŸehirli Damat Ä°brahim Pasha and the abdication of Ahmed III. Ahmed III acceded to the demands, had Ä°brahim Pasha strangled, and agreed to his nephew, Mahmud, becoming sultan.[2] real reign began on 25 November 1730, after this incident. First of all, Istanbul was taken under strict control. Measures were taken. About two thousand suspicious people were captured, some were executed, some were exiled. [3] ’s rule[edit] I was recognized as sultan by the mutineers as well as by court officials but for some weeks after his accession the empire was in the hands of the insurgents. Halil rode with the new sultan to the Mosque of Eyüb where the ceremony of girding Mahmud I with the Sword of Osman was performed; many of the chief officers were deposed and successors to them appointed at the dictation of the bold rebel who had served in the ranks of the Janissaries and who appeared before the sultan bare-legged and in his old uniform of a common soldier. A Greek butcher, named Yanaki, had formerly given credit to Halil and had lent him money during the three days of the insurrection. Halil showed his gratitude by compelling the Divan to make Yanaki Hospodar of Moldavia. However, Yanaki never took charge of this office. Khan of the Crimea assisted the Grand Vizier, the Mufti and the Aga of the Janissaries in putting down the rebellion. On 24 November 1731, Halil was strangled by the sultan's order[2] and in his presence, after a Divan in which Halil had dictated that war be declared against Russia. His Greek friend, Yanaki, and 7,000 of those who had supported him were also put to death.[citation needed] The jealousy which the officers of the Janissaries felt towards Halil, and their readiness to aid in his destruction, facilitated the exertions of Mahmud I's supporters in putting an end to the rebellion after it had lasted over a year. Austrian ambassador, who came to Istanbul in August 1740, was given a dinner in DavudpaÅŸa. Çavuşbaşı took the ambassador and took him to his mansion prepared in BeyoÄŸlu. On the day of the Ulufe Court, he presented his name to the Sultan. Various demonstrations were held in places where welcome and farewell ceremonies were held for the ambassador from Yeniköy Pier. [4] rest of Mahmud I's reign was dominated by wars in Persia, with the collapsing Safavid dynasty and the ascendance of Nader Shah. Mahmud also faced a notable war in Europe—the Austro-Russian-Turkish War (1735-1739). I entrusted government to his viziers and spent much of his time composing poetry. of 1750[edit] fire that started at the Ayazma gate in January 1750 lasted for 19 hours. Numerous shops, houses, and mansions burned until Vefa. sultan dismissed BoynueÄŸri Abdullah Pasha and appointed Divitdar Mehmed Emin Pasha on 9 January In the second fire that broke out on 31 March 1750, Bitpazan, AbacÄ±lar, YorgancÄ±lar, YaÄŸlÄ±kcÄ±lar, Haffaflar were completely burned. The fire spread to Fingerkapi and Tatlikuyu. The sultan, with the help of the treasury, repaired the burned down and AÄŸakapÄ±sÄ±. [5] I started the construction of the CaÄŸaloÄŸlu Bath, called Yeni Hamam, in the spring of 1740 on the land of CaÄŸaloÄŸlu Palace, which covers a large Foundation houses were built on the remaining empty lands and a neighborhood was established. The benevolent sultan opened the one in the courtyard of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the first of the three libraries it established in Istanbul, with a ceremony and made four thousand volumes. the library, Sahih-i Buharf reading of ten inhabitants every day was one of the conditions of the foundation. Mahmud also came to the Rosary Gate of Hagia Sophia several times, sat in the library and listened to the commentary of tafsir. famine, which appeared due to the heavy winter, became heavier and heavier at the end of spring. [6] with the Mughal Empire[edit] Shah's devastating campaign against the Mughal Empire, created a void in the western frontiers of Persia, which was effectively exploited by the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud I, who initiated the Ottoman–Persian War (1743–46), in which the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah closely cooperated with the Ottomans and their ambassador Haji Yusuf Agha, these relations between the two empires continued until Muhammad Shah's death in 1748.[7] with Safavid Empire[edit] March 1741, the ambassador of Nadir Shah from Iranian government, HacÄ± Han, came to Istanbul with three thousand people and his guards unit to prolong the peace in between them. Among his gifts were fabrics embroidered with jewels, ten elephants, and valuable weapons. HacÄ± Han was given a banquet in Fener Bahçesin. It was also a problem to pass the elephants brought by hand to Istanbul, and wide shakes were laid on the barges, and wooden curtains were laid around them so that elephants could not be scared. [8] relations of Iran and Ottoman Empire became increasingly tense, reached a new dimension in February 1743, and Shah Safi, who was one of Shah Hussein's princes and held hostage on Chios Island, was condemned and Nader Shah's inability to complete. Sailor's head of the crest, including the personality crown, was put on destar. He was sent to the Iranian border with the troops that joined him. [9] Venerable Hierotheus the Younger of Iveron of Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 13; St George of Cernica and Caldarushani, Commemorated on December 3; Icon of the Mother of God "Xenophon Hodigitria"Â, Commemorated on January 21; St Kristo the Gardener of Albania, Commemorated on February 12; St Basil of Poiana Marului, Commemorated on April 15; Venerable Nicephorus of Chios, Commemorated on May 1; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1732, Nidetas oNisyros, Caria, called Infidel, rt C faith, confessed, blind healed by hBlood, clean body, incorr
Ephesus, 1732, Nidetas oNisyros near Island of Rhodes, Caria, bMandraki on N, arrested town leader father became moslem, wFamily, N became Mehmed, N Christians despised them, tMoved to Rhodes, after fight Muslim boy's mother calls him infidel, he learns his C name, returned to C faith, ship tChios, Lithe harbor, walked Nea Moni, Makarios former Met Corinth, Holy Chism, stayed there, cave holy fathers there, Anthimos told him go back to N, tax collector aChora oChios, tPrison, but aBounaki, Priest Daniel questons Now arressting Moslems for taxes, Turk Judge, admitted return to true C faith, wished called Niketas, imprisoned tortured 10 days, steadfast not afraid, no food, I'm fed food you not have, joy you not experience, wild horses no trample, Iveron M dependency, I shall die as Niketas, kill me quickly that may enjoy paradise, but several sword neck blows, blind healed by his blood, dirt bBody remained clean, so, incorruption crown; Rhodes; knights of Rhodes; New Martyr Nikḗtas of Nisyros near Rhodes, Commemorated on June 21; Holy New Martyr Nikḗtas was born in the town of Mandraki on the Aegean island of Nisyros (Νίσυρος), and his father was one of the town's leaders. father had committed some crime for which he was arrested, and was put on trial by the Moslems. that he would be executed, he decided to save his life by becoming a Moslem along with his family. ḗtas, who was too young to understand the significance of this change, was given the name Mehmed. Christians of Nisyros despised them for denying Christ, so the family had to move to the island of Rhodes. day Nikḗtas got into a fight with a Muslim boy with whom he was playing. the boy's mother heard about it, she started to yell at Nikḗtas and called him an infidel. by this, Nikḗtas asked his mother what it meant. She ignored his questions but Nikḗtas was persistent in his attempts to discover the truth. At last his mother relented and told him how they had become Moslems. he wished to know what his Christian name was, the one he had received at his Baptism. When he was told it was Nikḗtas, was determined to return to his ancestral faith, and waited for an opportunity to escape from the island. ḗtas took a ship to the island of Chios and landed at the harbor of Lithe. He walked without knowing where he was going, soon he arrived at the Byzantine Monastery of Nea Moni. he told his story to the Igoumen and asked for some advice concerning his salvation. Igoumen told him to visit Makarios, the former Metropolitan of Corinth,1 who was living on the island as an ascetic at that time. When Makarios heard his Confession, he was received back into the Church through Holy Chrism, and he also received spiritual guidance. ḗtas decided to remain at the Monastery of Nea Moni, where he began to live an ascetical life. to undertake even greater struggles, Nikḗtas went to live in the Cave of the Holy Fathers near the Monastery. he met the ascetic Anthimos. He was told that a Christian who has denied Christ must return to the place of his denial, and confess his faith in Jesus Christ, reject Islam and suffer martyrdom. ḗtas rejoiced when he heard this, and then he returned to the Monastery, where he told the Fathers of his desire. his determination, they chanted the Canon of Supplication to the Theotokos (Paraklesis), and he received a blessing to carry out his intention. the young man arrived at the port of Chora on Chios, he was arrested by a Moslem tax collector from the Crimea, because he had no proof that he paid the head tax, which was required of all Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire. he was being led to prison, the tax collector stopped at a place called Bounaki, where he looked for other tax evaders. then a priest named Daniel, who knew Nikḗtas, happened to come by and called out to Nikḗtas using his Moslem name Mehmed. he asked Nikḗtas why he was being detained, he was told it was because he did not pay the head tax. Then Father Daniel shouted: "Here is something new! Are Moslems now obliged to pay the head tax?" Nikḗtas explained to him that he was a Christian named Nikḗtas, the Moslem from the Crimea overheard their conversation and came to investigate. Then Nikḗtas was taken to the Turkish judge and was interrogated. ḗtas admitted to the judge that he had been a Moslem and was circumcised, but then he decided to return to the Christian faith which is the true faith. also wished to be called by his baptismal name Nikḗtas. judge therefore ordered that Nikḗtas be imprisoned and tortured for ten days so he might come to his senses and return to Islam. ḗtas remained steadfast and was not afraid, even though they cursed him and beat him without mercy. They brought him food to eat, but he chose not to eat, saying: am being fed with food which you do not have, and I rejoice with joy which you cannot experience." was also placed in a stable so he would be trampled by the wild horses, but when it was discovered that he was unharmed, he was returned to the prison. the ten days had passed, the Turks realized that Nikḗtas had no desire to return to Islam, and was even more steadfast in his Orthodox Christian faith. led Nikḗtas to the edge of the city, to a Metochion (Dependency) of the Athonite Monastery of Ivḗron. again, he was urged by the executioners to become a Moslem again and thereby escape death. Nikḗtas replied: "I am a Christian; my name is Nikḗtas, and I shall die as Nikḗtas." executioners made Nikḗtas kneel several times, trying to frighten him, but he said to them: "Why do you delay? Kill me quickly that I may enjoy the blessedness of Paradise." executioner repeatedly struck his neck with the sword in order to cause him greater pain. After several blows, the seventeen-year-old Nikḗtas was decapitated and received the crown of martyrdom on June 21, 1732. dipped cloths in his martyric blood, and when it was applied to the eyes of the blind, they received their sight. the Turks threw dirt over his body to dishonor it, the body would remain clean for many days. order to prevent the Christians from taking his sacred relics, they were thrown into the sea. head of Saint Nikḗtas was preserved in a box with a glass cover in the Monastery of Saint Mark the Evangelist on Chios. It is thought that Christians bribed the guards, or stole the head. The next day, when the Saint's relics were tossed into the sea, the guards, hoping to avoid punishment, did not bother to inform the authorities that the head was missing. Later, the skull was given to Saint Parthenios of Chios (December 8), who founded the Monastery. There was no mention of where the holy relic was, so that the monks would not be punished for having it. Saint's holy relics are in the church of Saint Nikḗtas at Nisyros. His head is kept at Ivḗron Monastery on Mount Athos. This Makarios is not to be confused with Saint Makarios of Corinth (April 17), who lived from 1731-1805.

Constantinople, 1740, New Martyr Theocharis, refused Islam&daughter, starvation sentence, not feel hunger, stoned&hanged
Armenia, 1740, New Martyr Theocharis, at Neapolis (Nevsehir) in Cappadocia, Greater Armenia, Roman Roads Intersection Great Road across Turkey and to Cilicia, Governor decreed Christian boys tConcentration camps, including T, but Judge liked him, brought him home, offered wed his daughter, if convert tIslam, T refused, starvation sentence, nourished bPrayer, not feel hunger, satisfied little water, refused again, stoned and hanged, 1923 right hand tThessaloniki; Neapolis (Nevsehir) in Cappadocia, Greater Armenia; Holy New Martyr Theocharis, Commemorated on August 20; the year 1740 Sultan Ahmed and Ibrahim Pasha, the governor of Asia Minor, a decree was issued that Christian boys should be placed in concentration camps. orphan Theocharis was among them. a certain day, however, the judge of Neapolis (Nevsehir) in Cappadocia, saw Theocharis in the camp, he liked him, and brought him home to care for his animals. ’s piety and comeliness prompted the judge to suggest that he become his son-in-law, after first becoming a Moslem. answered courageously, “My master, I was born a Christian, and I cannot deny the faith of my Savior and of my fathers.” Ottoman judge considered the answer to be offensive and threatened him with torture, and then he sentenced him to death by starvation. went to church to confess and to partake of the spotless Mysteries, and then returned to his master. When he repeated his refusal and confessed his faith, they threw him into prison without food for many days. was nourished by prayer, however and did not feel hunger; he was satisfied with a little water once in a while. the judge repeated his offer to let him marry his daughter, Theocharis firmly refused. Then, after frightful torture, they took him an hour’s journey from the city of Neapolis, where he was stoned and then hanged at noon on a white poplar tree on August 20, 1740. 1923, the right hand of St. Theocharis was brought to Thessaloniki and was placed in the Church of St. Katherine, where it remains today.

Constantinople, 1740-1750, Athanasius oEpirus, Greece, saves sis f Musa, bears torture, M impressed, sees angels, bMonk
Greece, 1740-1750, Athanasius oEpirus, Greece, Turk Musa wants beaity sis, A fights h off, A bears torture, Musa impressed, sees angels, wants tb christian, not yet to protect Cs, later becomes monk on Corfu, founds church; Epirus Region Greece; New Martyr Anastasius of Epirus, Commemorated on November 18; Anastasius and his sister were mid-18th century peasants living in Epirus during Ottoman times. a band of Turks entered their village, its leader, Musa, was struck by the beauty of Anastasius' sister and tried to seize her, but Anastasius fought off the Turks, enabling his sister to escape. a result, Anastasius was arrested, imprisoned, and tortured in an effort to get him to deny the Christian faith. by the manner in which Anastasius bore his sufferings, Musa wanted to know more about the faith that sustained him. secretly to Anastasius' cell, Musa saw two young men of shining appearance with Anastasius, but they vanished when Musa entered. told him that these were angels who guard every Christian, especially when they suffer for Christ. also explained the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it had inspired him and others to place little value on worldly things. response, Musa expressed his desire to embrace Christianity. told him to wait until the proper time, because his conversion would bring about a persecution of the region's Christians. few days later, in 1750, Anastasius was beheaded by order of Musa's father, the Pasha. Musa was granted a vision of Anastasius encircled in light, who urged him to continue on the road to Christ. fled his father's domain to the Peleponnese where he was instructed in the faith by an aged ascetic. he was baptized, he became a monk on Corfu, receiving the monastic name of Daniel, and founded a church dedicated in honor of Saint Anastasius.

Constantinople, 1750 18th Century, Sophronius oSt Anne Skete, left on wedding night for Mt Athos, 50 yrs, died in peace
Greece, Mt Athos, 1750 18th Century, Sophronius oSt Anne Skete - near the Great Lavra of Mt. Athos, left on wedding night for Mt Athos, 50 yrs, died in peace; Skete of St Anne: a skete to the Great Lavra of Mt. Athos; Venerable Sophronius of Saint Anne Skete, Mount Athos, Commemorated on August 18; Sophronius lived in the eighteenth century. left home on his wedding night and became a monk on Mount Athos. living there for fifty years, he died in peace.

Constantinople, 1750-1806, George oCernica, pastor oHigh spiritual life, leader 2 great Wallacia Ms, renewer Athos&Paisian hesyc
Romania, 1750-1806, George oCernica (Lake Cernica, Bucharest, Romania), fSaliste, Sibiu, inclined monastic fyouth, but Catholic Austrian Rulers oTransylvania supressed Orthodoxy, esp monasticism, to unify, so 1749 he went tWallacia tGreek Met Rosca aBucharest, spiritual father, tConstan&Mt Athos wRosca, Vatopaidi M, monk then deacon, Rosca dies so Paisios Velichkovsky elder, Prophet Elias Skete, 1752 Great Schema, 1754 Hieroschema monk fRomanians aSt Elias Skete, 1764 w64&P tDragomirna M iMoldovia, Hierschemamonk, Confessor, steward 12 yrs, wBukovina fell tAustria 1775, they moved to Secu M, 1779 wP tNeamt M 2yrs, 1781 P blessed him to return Mt Athos, on way iBucharest he met Met Gregory II oWallacia (P's disciple) & old friend Hiermonk Makarios, they persuaded him with vision oSt Nick to undertake revival oCernica M, dedicated to St Nic, in ruins 30 yrs, task cenobitic rule similar Athonite & Paisan Ms, help fWallacian ruler Nick Mavrogenes began restore church&cells, he perfected monks spiritual life, daily services, scripture &Holy fathers reading, work including manuscript copying, he revived spiritual life, grew to 103 in 5yrs, 1785 gravely ill, his will prescribed monastic order, but he recovered, 1793 Met Philaret II assigned him to Caldarusani M also, 1794 on lived both Ms, Athonite-Paisian cenobitic Rule, worship 7times day frequent confession obedience constant prayer common meal, died 1806, buried Cernica Lazarus font, venerated as a pastor of high spiritual life, the leader of the two great monastic centers of Wallachia, a renewer of the true monastic life of the Athos and Paisian hesychastic tradition, many disciples incl Kalinikos&Makarios, 2005 Romanian sainthood, 2007 Russian sainthood; Cernica; St George of Cernica and Caldarushani, Commemorated December 3 ; George was born in 1730 to pious Orthodox parents in the town of Sălişte, near Sibiu in Romania. his youth he was inclined toward the monastic life. at that time the Roman Catholic Austrian rulers of Transylvania tried to suppress Orthodoxy, especially Orthodox monasticism, in order to make the faithful unite with them. at the age of nineteen, the young man went to Wallachia and came to the Greek Metropolitan Rosca, who was in Bucharest at that time. He became George's Spiritual Father. thereafter, in 1750, he accompanied his Spiritual Father to Constantinople, and then to Mount Athos. he settled at Vatopaidi Monastery, and was tonsured as a monk, and later he was ordained as a deacon. the repose of his Elder, he became a disciple of Saint Paϊsios Velichkovsky at the Prophet Elias Skete. in 1752, Saint Paϊsios tonsured Father George into the Great Schema. years later he was ordained as a Hieroschema-monk for the Romanian community at Saint Elias Skete. his stay on Mount Athos he advanced with great zeal and much spiritual benefit, on the ladder of spiritual perfection, 1763, together with sixty-four other disciples, he followed Saint Paϊsios to Dragomirna Monastery in Moldavia. the next twelve years, he served this Monastery as a Hieromonk, Confessor, and steward. Bukovina fell under the power of Roman Catholic Austria in 1775, the Dragomirna brethren, led by Elder Paϊsios, moved to Secu Monastery. 1779, he followed Saint Paϊsios to Neamț Monastery, where he lived for another two years. 1781, with the blessing of his Elder he went to Mount Athos again. his return to Bucharest, he met Metropolitan Gregory II of Wallachia, who was a disciple of Saint Paϊsios, and his old friend Hieromonk Makarios. their persistent persuasion, followed by prayer and fasting, and a vision of Saint Nicholas, he agreed to undertake the revival of monastic life at Cernίca Monastery, which was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, and which had been in ruins for more than thirty years. task was to establish a monastery in this region of Wallachia with a cenobitic Rule, similar to the Athonite and Paisian monasteries. the help of the Wallachian ruler Nicholas Mavrogenes and other Christians, Father George began to restore the main church and the cells. devoted a lot of time to perfecting the spiritual life of the monks. the monastery the Services were performed every day, along with reading the Holy Scriptures and the works of the Holy Fathers of the Church, and work which was carried out in numerous obediences: including copying manuscripts and physical labor. his sacrificial and gifted shepherding, he revived the spiritual life at Cernίca Monastery. After just five years, the community grew to 103 monks. 1785, Saint George became gravely ill and, expecting his imminent demise, made his will in which he prescribed the proper order of life of the monastic community. However, he soon recovered and continued his pastoral labors. view of his successes, in 1793, Metropolitan Philaret II of Wallachia also assigned him to Căldărușani Monastery. April 1794, Father George lived in both monasteries alternately, appointing Igoumens in them, especially during his absence. both monasteries he introduced the Athonite-Paisian cenobitic Rule, which included worship seven times a day, frequent Confession, obedience, constant prayer, and a common meal. George continued to manage both monasteries until the very end of his earthly life. reposed on December 3, 1806, lamented by the numerous brethren of the two monasteries. was buried at Cernica Monastery, in front of the church of Saint Lazarus. Saint George's repose, he was venerated as a pastor of high spiritual life, the leader of the two great monastic centers of Wallachia, a renewer of the true monastic life of the Athos and Paisian hesychastic tradition. Elder had many disciples and followers, such as Saint Kallinikos of Cernίca, Hieromonk Makarios and others. the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church on October 20-21, 2005, Elder George was glorified and numbered among the Saints. formal announcement of his canonization took place at Cernίca Monastery on the day of his commemoration December 3, 2005, with Patriarch Theoktistos of Romania presiding at the Service. the decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church of August 21, 2007, Saint George's name was included in the Synaxarion of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Constantinople, 1754-1757, Osman III, Sultan, prisoner, peculiar, angry, modest
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1754-1757 , Osman III; III (Ottoman Turkish: 2 January 1699-“ 30 October 1757) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1754 to 1757.[3] III lived most of his life as a prisoner in the palace, and as a consequence, he had some behavioural peculiarities when he took the throne. Unlike previous sultans, he hated music, and banished all musicians from the palace. According to Baron de Tott, Osman III was an angry and modest type of ruler.[6] Audience of French ambassador Charles de Vergennes with Sultan Osman III in 1755. III's first activity was to choose government officials to work with. During his reign, the changes he made in high-level government duties, especially Grand Vizier, can be considered as attempts to reduce the extremely weighted role of the charitable authority in the previous sultan's era.[5] the severe storm of March 1756, an Egyptian galleon ran ashore in Kumkapa at dusk. Due to the storm, 600 passengers could not be evacuated. The sultan, who came to the shore, took all the passengers by bringing barges from the shipyard. He ordered the construction of the Lighthouse in Istanbul to prevent such incidents. [7] first procession of his enthronement was held on 14 December 1754. The historians of that time didn'™t write the events happening in the empire because of severe and freezing cold of January 1755. [8] was responsible for a firman in 1757 that preserved the Status Quo of various Holy Land sites for Christians, Muslims, and Jews.[9] the second year of his reign, Osman lost his mother, žehsuvar Sultan, who had been in contact with his religiousness. Afterward, the oldest prince, Mehmed, died of illness on December 22, 1756. According to various sources, the funeral of the prince, controlled by the quarry, grand vizier and sheikh al-Islam, was attended by 5,000 people. Some contemporary sources said that the prince was poisoned and killed on the initiative of Mustafa Pasha, the next sultan of the third sultan, Mustafa Pasha.[5] is noted that, in this period, provisions were sent against banditry in Anatolia and Rumelia, and especially the movements of headless beams, and that the sultan was also interested in these issues. Some measures were taken against the tribes of Bozulus and Cihanbeyli, the Armenians due to the turmoil in Iran, the bandits around Erzurum and Sivas, and the famous leader KaraosmanoŸlu Hac Mustafa. The latter was captured and executed, and his head was brought to Istanbul on 5 December 1755.[5] is famous for building Nuruosmaniye Mosque, whose construction started during the reign of Mahmud I. Nuruosmaniye Complex, also known as Osmaniye for a while, consisted of three schools, madrasahs, a factory, a library, a mausoleum, a temporary room, a mesh house, a fountain, an inn, and shops. Osman built a new neighborhood in 1755-56 where Palace and Garden was located, along with houses and shops. He also built the Ihsaniye Mosque and its masjids, both of which stand today as hsaniye.[5] III built a fountain in his name in 1755-56; it was destroyed 122 years after its construction. [10] III died on the night of 30 October 1757. In the early morning, a ceremony was held and his cousin Mustafa III was placed on the throne. The new sultan ordered Osman to be buried in the New Mosque Mausoleum, not in Nuruosmaniye. [11] Venerable Theophanes of Dochiariou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on August 19; St George of Cernica and Caldarushani, Commemorated on December 3; St Basil of Poiana Marului, Commemorated on April 15; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1757-1761, Partiarch, Seraphim II, pro russian ideals, deposed, exiled to Athos
Constantinople Partiarch, 1757-1761, Seraphim II of Constantinople; II Anina (? – 7 December 1779[1]) was the Greek Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 1757 until 1761. II was born in Delvinë, located in modern-day southern Albania in the late 17th century.[2] Before he was elected as Patriarch of Constantinople on 22 July 1757 he was Metropolitan of Philippoupolis.[1] Patriarch in 1759 he introduces the feast of Saint Andrew on 30 November,[3] and in 1760 he gave the first permission to Cosmas of Aetolia to begin missionary tours in the villages of Thrace.[4] 1759 he invited Eugenios Voulgaris to head the reforms in the patriarchal academy and during his tenure in the academy influenced by Seraphim's pro-Russian ideals Voulgaris contributed to the reapproachment of the Russian Empire with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.[5][6] a consequence Seraphim II was deposed on 26 March 1761 and exiled on Mount Athos,[1] and he was replaced by the Ottoman authorities with Joannicius III. On Mount Athos, he rebuilt an old Monastic house, and dedicated it to the Saint Andrew. This house would eventually become the Skete of Saint Andrew.[7] the field of politics, he supported the Russian Empire during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774 and the establishment of an Orthodox pro-Russian state in the Balkans. In 1769 he urged the Greek population to rebel against the Turks.[2] After the failure of the revolution, in 1776 he moved to Ukraine, where he died on 7 December 1779.[1] He was buried in the Mhar Monastery. Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on August 24;

Constantinople, 1757-1774, Mustafa III, Sultan, justice, prosperity, aquaducts, a Ger, w Rus
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1757-1774, Mustafa III; III 28 January 1717-“ 21 January 1774) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1757 to 1774. He was a son of Sultan Ahmed III (1703-“30), and his consort MihrŸah Kadhn. He was succeeded by his brother Abdul Hamid I (1774-“89). ascended the throne on 30 October 1757, after the death of his cousin Osman III, the son of Sultan Mustafa II.[5] of Mustafa's rule[edit] after his accession to the throne, Mustafa demonstrated a special care for justice. He took a number of measures to increase prosperity in Istanbul. He regulated coinage, built large grain stores, maintained aqueducts, and established a strict fiscal policy.[6] He traveled frequently and checked whether the laws he had enforced were followed.[7] with Prussia[edit] much admired Frederick the Great's generalship, and in 1761 established a peace treaty with Prussia. Frederick wanted an alliance against the Habsburgs, and Mustafa wanted to modernize his state and army. Mustafa preferred recruiting his officers in Berlin, rather than in Paris and London, to re-organize his army. In 1763, the two countries exchanged their diplomats for the first time.[8] War (1768-1774)[edit] article: Russo-Turkish War (1768-“1774) Rag Pasha, who remained grand vizier until 1763, pursued a peace policy towards neighboring countries. But the increasing influence of Russia over the Caucasus and its intention to control Poland created tension between the Ottomans and Russia. Rag Pasha's successor Muhsinzade Mehmed Pasha also preferred to remain at peace, and Mustafa's insistence on war with Russia led to his resignation in 1768. The Sultan expected to gain an easy victory over the Russians, but in fact the Ottomans were unprepared for a long war. During the war, military reforms were undertaken, with the assistance of French officer Fransois Baron de Tott. They included the modernization of artillery corps and the foundation of the Naval Engineering School in 1773. The war was disastrous for the Ottoman Empire. The Russian armies occupied the Crimea, Romania and parts of Bulgaria.[9] Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on August 24; Monkmartyr Cosmas of St Anne Skete, Mt Athos, Commemorated on December 3; St George of Cernica and Caldarushani, Commemorated on December 3; New Martyr George of Iberia, Commemorated on January 2; New Martyr Theologia, Commemorated on January 2; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated on January 16; New Martyr Zachariah, Commemorated on January 20; St Basil of Poiana Marului, Commemorated on April 15; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1760, Cosmos, Skete of St Anne, executed in Constantinople, refused to convert
Greece, Mt Athos, 1760, Cosmos, Skete of St Anne, executed in Constantinople, refused to convert; Skete of St Anne: a skete to the Great Lavra of Mt. Athos; Monkmartyr Cosmas of St Anne Skete, Mt Athos, Commemorated December 3 ; Cosmas was a monk of Saint Anne’s Skete on Mount Athos. was executed in Constantinople on December 3, 1760 when he refused to convert to Islam. specific details of his martyrdom are not known.

Constantinople, 1764, Aquilina oZagliberi, beaten horribly bTurks, survived, died aHhome, relics' fragrance, &Devine light
Greece, 1764, Aquilina oZagliberi, Thessalonica, to avoid death her father became moslem, could not convert daughter or mother, turned her over to turks, beaten horribly, survived but died at home, relics ' wonderous fragrance, &Devine light; Zagliberi, Thessalonica; New Martyr Aquilina, Commemorated on September 27; Aquilina (Akylina), the virgin martyr of Christ, the daughter of pious parents who lived in the village of Zagliberi, Thessalonica in the diocese of Saint Ardamerios. day her father quarreled with a Turkish neighbor (for Turks and Christians lived together in that village), and struck the Turk, killing him. authorities seized him and brought him to the pasha of Thessalonica to be executed for his crime. death, the unfortunate man converted to Islam in order to save his life. Aquilina was still a babe at her mother’s breast when this happened. saint’s mother remained a Christian, and she encouraged her daughter to adhere to the Christian Faith, and not to deny Christ. some time had passed, the Turks pressured Aquilina’s father to make her become a Moslem, too. said, “Do not worry about my daughter, I’ll see to her. I will force her to convert to Islam in due course.” Saint Aquilina was eighteen, the Turks urged her father to make his daughter convert to their faith. said to her, “The other Turks tell me that you must become a Moslem sooner or later. Do it one day sooner so that they will stop bothering me. “ replied with great courage, “I will never deny the Lord Jesus Christ, Who died on the Cross for our sake. I am prepared to endure tortures, and even death, for love of my Christ.” that she would not change her mind, her father went to the Turks and said, “I am not able to persuade my daughter to become a Moslem, so you may do as you wish with her.” this, the Turks became angry, and sent servants to arrest the girl. When the saint’s mother saw them seize her daughter, encouraged her to remain firm in confessing Christ, and to be brave in the face of the torments she was about to endure. replied, “That is my intention, Mother. May God help me. Pray for me.” they said farewell with many tears and laments. Servants tied Aquilina with ropes and brought her to the judge. Her mother followed them, but the servants shut the door in her face and left her standing in the courtyard. Saint Aquilina was taken inside to appear before the judge, and her mother returned home to await the outcome. judge asked her, “Will you become a Moslem, you fool?” replied, “No, I will never deny my Faith or my Master Christ.” these things, the judge became angry and ordered the saint to be stripped of her clothes, leaving her in her chemise. he ordered them to tie her to a pillar and to beat her with sticks, and it was done. Two servants beat her for a long time, but Saint Aquilina endured her sufferings with great courage. once again the saint was brought before the judge and the other Turks. They began to flatter her, promising her many things. They even offered her gifts, if only she would deny her Christian Faith, she regarded earthly riches as worthless. A prominent man among them, having more boldness than the others, said to her, “Become a Moslem, Aquilina, and I will marry you to my son.” martyr of Christ replied, “May the devil take you and your son.” the Turks heard this, they were enraged and tied the saint up as before, beating her for a long time. she was untied and questioned for a third time. Aquilina had received so many lashes, her chemise was torn to shreds, and it no longer covered her. The judge said, “You fool! Aren’t you ashamed to appear naked before so many people? Become a Moslem, or I’ll break your bones one by one.” holy virgin replied, “What could I possibly want with your faith? Why should I deny Christ?” Turks were furious, and this time they beat the saint so mercilessly that they left her for dead. The earth was saturated with her blood, and pieces of her flesh fell to the ground. Finally, they untied her and gave her to a certain Christian who happened to be at that place, and he brought her to her mother’s house. her mother saw that her daughter was almost dead, she embraced her and asked, “What have you done, my child?” martyr opened her eyes with difficulty and said, “Behold, I have preserved the confession of my Faith, just as we agreed.” she was speaking to her mother, Saint Aquilina gave her pure soul into God’s hands and received the imperishable crown of martyrdom on September 27, 1764. the way to the cemetery, Saint Aquilina’s holy relics gave forth a wondrous fragrance which filled the entire road. That night a heavenly light shone upon her tomb like a brilliant star, and the Christians who witnessed this glorified God.

Constantinople, 1765-1821, GregoryV Patriarch oConstantinople, his connections w Greek Patriots discoveren Later
Greece, 1765-1821, Gregory V Patriarch of Constantinople, from Demitsana, Arcadia, Peleponnese, to Athens 1765, to Smyrna 1767, to Patmos, Deacon at Smyrna 1775 and Hieromonk, 1785 Bishop, Met oSmyrna, spiritual fruit, sermons, school buildings, books, 1797 Patriarch of C, internal external order, rules, regular mtgs, agendas for Bishops, early 19th C heavy Turk rule&Greek patriots, his connections w G P's discoveren when Ypsilantis crossed tPrut river, his asceticism caused 2 exiles to Great Larva Athos, 3 times forced to quell greek revolts, forced 1821 anathema against Y, a ignored, 1821 hanged Patriarchate gate since closed, body to sea but saved by Greek sailors, to Odessa, under Russian Flag, held See of Constantinople three times (1797-1799, 1806-1808, 1819-1821), 1871 relics back to Greece for 50th Aniversary, Nikon's Vestiments Mitre Cross, 1921 Sainthood 100 yr Anniversary; Demitsana or Dimitsana ; Hieromartyr Patriarch Gregory V of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 10; Holy Patriarch Gregory (George Angelopoulos in the world) was born in 1745 at Dēmētsána in the Pelopónnēsos. began his education in the village schools, since his father could not afford to send him to better schools. 1765, he went to Athens to study under the renowned teacher Dēmḗtrios Vodas, in 1767, he went to Smyrna to attend an ecclesiastical school. he went to Patmos for further study, was ordained as a Deacon in 1775 at Smyrna. after, he was ordained as a Hieromonk. 1785 he was consecrated as a Bishop, and was chosen as the Metropolitan of Smyrna. ministry produced much spiritual fruit, and he edified his flock by his eloquent sermons, by building schools, and by writing books. May 1,1797 he was elected as Patriarch of Constantinople. that day forward, he concerned himself with the internal and external order of the Patriarchate. He established rules for his household and staff, called regular meetings, and set agendas for the Synod of Bishops. the early XIX century, Greece was suffering under the heavy Turkish yoke, though many Greek patriots hoped to regain their independence. found support from the Holy Patriarch, whose connections with Greek patriots were revealed only after Alexander Ypsilantis crossed the Prut River with his army against Sultan Mahmud. Patriarch was an ascetic who kept the fasts and devoted himself to the unceasing Prayer of the Heart. traits did not endear him to everyone, and he had many enemies. Saint's austerity annoyed some bishops, who slandered him, resulting in his removal and exile to Mount Athos from 1798-1806, where he lived in the Greatest Lavra. second tenure as Patriarch began amid political turmoil. more he began a program of building churches and schools. declared war in 1807 as the result of Russian activity in the Balkans. The Sultan ordered Saint Gregory to issue an encyclical against Russia in order to prevent the Greeks from cooperating with them. bore no malice toward Russia, but he was trying to avoid massacres and insurrections. times during his second Patriarchate, Saint Gregory was forced to quell Greek attempts to revolt. he was deposed and exiled to the Holy Mountain in 1808. January 1819, the Holy Hierarch ascended the Patriarchal throne for the final time. established a fund to help the poor of Constantinople and reorganized the Patriarchal printing press, which published many spiritual books. March, several bishops were imprisoned or executed because of the failed insurrection of Alexander Ypsilantis in Moldavia. the Greek Revolution began on March 25, 1821, the Turks ordered the Patriarch and his Synod to issue an anathema against Ypsilantis and those who had cooperated with him. anathema was ignored, because the Greeks knew that it had been issued under duress. that Lent, jailings and executions were common. One of the Patriarch's friends advised him to flee from Constantinople to the Morea. Gregory replied: "I have a premonition that the fish of the Bosphorus will eat my body, but I will die calmly, for the sake of of saving my nation." Holy Pascha, April 10, 1821, the Patriarch was seized at 10:00 A.M. and hanged at the gate of the Patriarchate, and then his body was thrown into the sea. That gate has remained shut ever since. sailors noticed the place where the Hieromartyr's body was abandoned, and placed it on a ship from Kephalonia under the command of Captain Macri Sklavos, and then it was taken to Odessa under the Russian flag. Hierarch's relics were buried in the Greek church of the Holy Trinity on June 19, 1821. vestments were sent from Moscow for the Saint's relics, as well as a mitre and a cross, which had belonged to His Holiness Patriarch Nikon (1652-1658). Hieromartyr Gregory V of Constantinople, held the See of Constantinople three times (1797-1799, 1806-1808, 1819-1821). 1871, at the request of the Greek government, permission was granted to transfer Patriarch Gregory's relics from Odessa to Athens for the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Greek independence. A special Service was composed in Athens in honor of the Hierarch, whose martyrdom heralded the triumph of Christianity in Greece. Hieromartyr Gregory was glorified as a Saint in 1921. The scroll on his Icon reads: "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1).

Constantinople, 1770-1773, John oMonemvasia, Albanian Turk slavery, no convert. extreme tortures &resistence 15yr old martyr
Greece, 1770-1773, John oMonemvasia (Malbasia) Monestary, Southern Greece, Geraki &Gouves, only 12 in 1770 when priest father killed bAlbanian Turks, with mother into slavery at Larisa, at first separate then by same master, who wanted to adopt him, but he would not convert. extreme tortures and resistence 15yr old martyr; Monemvasia monastery at Morea in the Peloponnesos.; New Martyr John of Monemvasia, Commemorated on October 21; John was born in 1758 near the city of Monemvasia. father was a priest from Geraki, and his mother was from the neighboring village of Gouves. was in Gouves that John's father was assigned as a priest, and there John was born. a young age John tried to emulate his father by helping him work in the church. He was known for his exemplary behavior, and referred to by other children as the "priest's son." the year 1770 the army of the Albanian Hatzi Osman defeated the Greek resistance, and arriving in Monemvasia they killed John's father and enslaved both him and his mother. were taken to Larisa, where they were sold separately two or three times. two years they were bought by the same man, a Turkish landowner. Turk had no children, and recognizing John's good qualities (he was exceptionally intelligent for his age, obedient, and a hard worker), the man wanted to adopt John after converting him to Islam. Every day they tried to persuade him to abandon the Christian Faith and become a Turk. Initially, they used flattery and promises, but later they used terrible tortures to overcome John's steadfastness (he was only 15 years old), but he remained unwavering in his Christian faith. day his master, tired of trying to convince him to convert, and in anger led him to the courtyard of the mosque. Many Muslims were gathered there, and with blows and terrible threats they urged him to convert and become a Turk. John's response was clear: "I am not a Turk, I am a Christian and I shall die as a Christian." addition, the Turk and his wife tried every day with magic and evil spells to make the Saint lose his mind and give in to carnal desires, and then to become a Turk. But John remained pure, for the grace of Christ protected him from all of the diabolical devices of the Turk's wife. came the fifteen days of fasting before the Dormition of the Theotokos. The Turk realized that John did not wish to break the fast, so he locked him up in a barn. He kept him there for the entire fifteen days and hung him up, lighting a fire in the straw beneath him to cause smoke, and struck him with the flat of his sword, all the while trying to make him eat their abominable foods and break the fast. Saint John did not even taste the food, but prayed to the Mother of God, in whose honor the Fast is observed, asking her to help him keep the fast, for he preferred to die rather than break his fast. master, seeing that he remained unconvinced, left him without food for two and three days at a time. His mother, seeing him weakened by the tortures and the fasting, tried to convince him to give in, saying: "Eat these foods, my son, so that you do not perish. God and the Panagia will forgive you, because you would not be doing this voluntarily, but out of necessity. Pity me, your poor mother. Do not die and leave me alone in this foreign land, for by having you here, I feel as if I am not a slave." replied: "Why are you doing this, Mother, and why are you crying? Why don't you emulate the Patriarch Abraham, who for the love of God wanted to sacrifice his only son, yet you only cry and weep. I am a priest's son and I should be keeping the laws and customs of our Church more than the sons of laymen, for if we don't keep the small things [of the faith], how can we keep the larger things?" after this response the furious Turk stabbed him in the heart on October 19, 1773. After two days Saint John died and received the crown of martyrdom. John's skull and portions of his hand and feet are located at the Zermbitsa Monastery in Sparta, and other portions of his relics are in the churches of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste in Larisa and Voulkanou Monastery in Messenia.

Constantinople, 1771, Damascene of Hilandar, igumen, sent to Svishtov, Bulgaria, to collect rent, to avoid paying Moslems framed him
Gabrovo, Bulgaria ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Hieromartyr Damascene the New was born in the village of Gabrovo of the Trnovo diocese in Bulgaria. He left his home as a young man and went to the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos. Over time, he was ordained deacon and priest, fulfilling various obediences in the monastery. Later he was chosen as the igumen. Damascene often journeyed to various places on monastery business. One day Father Damascene was sent to Svishtov [Svištov, in Serbian], Bulgaria to collect rent from a Moslem on some property owned by the monastery. To avoid paying the debt, the man sent a Moslem woman to the room where the saint was staying. Then he and others broke in and accused Father Damascene of impropriety. If he was found guilty, he could be put to death. kadi (judge) did not believe that Father Damascene was guilty of the charges, but since the other Moslems had given false testimony against him, the judge had to find him guilty. Before taking him to be executed, he was given the choice of being put to death, or of saving his life by converting to Islam. The saint replied, “I was born a Christian, and I shall die a Christian; for to deny Christ is to forfeit eternal life. It would be madness if I agreed to preserve this temporary life in exchange for eternal perdition. I am sorry for you if you do not understand this.” that nothing would induce the saint to deny Christ and accept their religion, the Moslems brought him to the place of execution. Saint Damascene asked for some time to pray, and his request was granted. After completing his prayers he made the Sign of the Cross and told them that he was ready. The holy New Martyr Damascene was hanged at Svishtov on January 16, 1771, and received an incorruptible crown of glory from Christ. wrath of God was not slow in overtaking the evil-doers, however. After they put the saint to death they got into a boat to cross the Danube River, and the boat capsized in a storm, drowning them.

Constantinople, 1771, Damascene tNew, fBulgaria tHilandar, igumen business trips, Martyred b false t, God killed evil-doers
Greece, Mt Athos, 1771, Hieromartyr Damascene tNew, fGabrovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 1) near Trnovo, tHilandar as young man, deacon, priest, later igumen, often journeyed monastery business, Martyred at Svishtov iSerbian Bulgaria collecting rent, to avoid moslems set him up, accused him impropriety wMoslem woman, Judge did not believe but since moslems gave false testimony he was hanged, he was sorry they did not understand why he accepted death versus moslem faith, God killed evil-doers in storm over Danube; Gabrovo, Bulgaria ; Hieromartyr Damascene of Hilandar of Mt Athos, Commemorated January 16 ; Hieromartyr Damascene the New was born in the village of Gabrovo of the Trnovo diocese in Bulgaria. left his home as a young man and went to the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos. time, he was ordained deacon and priest, fulfilling various obediences in the monastery. he was chosen as the igumen. Damascene often journeyed to various places on monastery business. day Father Damascene was sent to Svishtov [Svištov, in Serbian], Bulgaria collect rent from a Moslem on some property owned by the monastery. avoid paying the debt, the man sent a Moslem woman to the room where the saint was staying. he and others broke in and accused Father Damascene of impropriety. he was found guilty, he could be put to death. kadi (judge) did not believe that Father Damascene was guilty of the charges, since the other Moslems had given false testimony against him, judge had to find him guilty. taking him to be executed, he was given the choice of being put to death, or of saving his life by converting to Islam. saint replied, “I was born a Christian, and I shall die a Christian; for to deny Christ is to forfeit eternal life. would be madness if I agreed to preserve this temporary life in exchange for eternal perdition. am sorry for you if you do not understand this.” that nothing would induce the saint to deny Christ and accept their religion, the Moslems brought him to the place of execution. Damascene asked for some time to pray, and his request was granted. After completing his prayers he made the Sign of the Cross and told them that he was ready. holy New Martyr Damascene was hanged at Svishtov on January 16, 1771, and received an incorruptible crown of glory from Christ. wrath of God was not slow in overtaking the evil-doers, however. they put the saint to death they got into a boat to cross the Danube River, and the boat capsized in a storm, drowning them.

Constantinople, 1774-1789, Ottoman Sultan, Abdul Hamid I, Pacifist, reformed military, lost Crimea and Ochakov
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1774-1789, Abdul Hamid I; ülhamid I, Abdul Hamid I or Abd Al-Hamid I (20 March 1725 – 7 April 1789)[1] was the 27th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, reigning over the Ottoman Empire from 1774 to 1789. 1 Early life 2 Reign 2.1 Accession 2.2 Rule 2.3 Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca 2.4 Relations with Tipu Sultan 3 Architecture 4 Character 5 Family 6 Death 7 References 8 Sources 9 External links life[edit] was born on 20 March 1725 in Constantinople, a younger son of Sultan Ahmed III (reigned 1703–1730) and his consort Åžermi KadÄ±n.[3] III abdicated in favor of his nephew Mahmud I, who was succeeded by his brother Osman III, and Osman[3] by Ahmed's elder son Mustafa III. a potential heir to the throne, Abdul Hamid was imprisoned in comfort by his cousins and older brother, as was customary. This lasted until 1767. this period, he received his early education from his mother Rabia Åžermi, who taught him history and calligraphy.[3] the day of Mustafa's death on 21 January 1774 , Abdul Hamid ascended to the throne with a ceremony held in the palace. The next day Mustafa III's funeral procession was held. new sultan sent a letter to the Grand Vizier and Serdar-Ä± Ekrem Muhsinzade Mehmed Pasha on the front and informed him to continue his duty. On 27 January 1774, the sword was armed in Eyup Sultan. the time, the Ottoman-Russian front wars continued, the army was at once, and there was a shortage of food in Istanbul. [4] Hamid's long imprisonment had left him indifferent to state affairs and malleable to the designs of his advisors.[citation needed] Yet he was also very religious and a pacifist by nature. his accession the financial straits of the treasury were such that the usual donative could not be given to the Janissary Corps. The new Sultan told the Janissaries "There are no longer gratuities in our treasury, as all of our soldier sons should learn." Ottoman Army advances from Sofia, its largest garrison in Rumelia, in the year 1788. Hamid now sought to reform the Empire's armed forces. He enumerated the Janissary corps and tried to renovate it, and also the navy. He established a new artillery corps. He was also credited with the creation of the Imperial Naval Engineering School.[1] Hamid tried to strengthen Ottoman rule over Syria, Egypt, and Iraq.[1] However, slight successes against rebellions in Syria and the Morea could not compensate for the loss of the Crimean Peninsula, which had become nominally independent in 1774, but was in practice now controlled by Russia. repeatedly exploited its position as protector of Eastern Christians to interfere in the Ottoman Empire, and explicitly. Finally the Ottomans declared war against Russia in 1787. Austria soon joined Russia. Turkey held its own in the conflict, at first, but on 6 December 1788, Ochakov fell to Russia (all of its inhabitants being massacred). It is said that this sad defeat broke Abdul Hamid's spirit, as he died four months later. spite of his failures, Abdul Hamid was regarded as the most gracious Ottoman Sultan.[citation needed] He personally directed the fire brigade during the Constantinople fire of 1782. He was admired by the people for his religious devotion, and was even called a Veli ("saint"). He also outlined a reform policy, supervised the government closely, and worked with statesmen. Hamid I turned to internal affairs after the war with Russia ended in this way. He tried to suppress internal revolts through Algerian Gazi Hasan Pasha, and to regulate the reform works through Silâhdar Seyyid Mehmed Pasha (Karavezir) and Halil Hamid Pasha. in Syria, the rebellion of Zahir al-Omar, who cooperated with the admirals of the Russian navy in the Mediterranean, benefiting from the confusion caused by the Russian expedition of the 1768 Russian campaign, and suppressed the rebellion in Egypt in 1775, as well as the Kölemen who were in rebellion in Egypt. was brought to the road. On the other hand, the confusion in Peloponnese was ended, and calm was achieved. Kaptanıderyâ Gazi Hasan Pasha and Cezzâr Ahmed Pasha played an important role in suppressing all these events. [5] of Küçük Kaynarca[edit] his pacific inclinations, the Ottoman Empire was forced to renew the ongoing war with Russia almost immediately. This led to complete Turkish defeat at Kozludzha and the humiliating Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, signed on 21 July 1774. The Ottomans ceded territory to Russia, and also the right to intervene on behalf of the Orthodox Christians in the Empire. the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, the territory left, as well as Russia's ambassador at Istanbul level and an authorized representative, this ambassador's participation in other ceremonies at the state ceremonies, the right to pass through the Straits to Russia, as the envoys of the Russian envoy were given immunity. Marketing opportunities for all kinds of commodities in Istanbul and other ports, as well as the full commercial rights of England and France were given. It was also in the treaty that the Russian state had a church built in Ga lata. Under the circumstances, this church would be open to the public, referred to as the Russo-Greek Church, and forever under the protection of Russian ambassadors in Istanbul. [6] with Tipu Sultan[edit] 1789, Tipu Sultan, ruler of the Sultanate of Mysore sent an embassy to Abdul Hamid, urgently requesting assistance against the British East India Company, and proposed an offensive and defensive alliance. Abdul Hamid informed the Mysori ambassadors that the Ottomans were still entangled and exhausted from the ongoing war with Russia and Austria.[citation needed] Hamid I left many architectural works, mostly in Istanbul. The most important of these is the current in Sirkeci in 1777. It is the building built by the VakÄ±f Inn. He built a fountain, an elementary school, a madrasah and a library next to this building. The books in the library are kept in the Süleymaniye Library today and the madrasah is used as a stock exchange building. During the construction of the VakÄ±f Inn, the fountain was removed by construction and the fountain was transferred to the corner of Zeynep Sultan Mosque opposite Gülhane Park. [5] addition to these works, in 1778, he built a mosque with a mosque on the beach of Beylerbeyi on behalf of Râbia Åžermi KadÄ±n, and built fountains in Çamlıca KÄ±sÄ±klÄ± Square, other than places such as Ä°skele Square, Çınarönü, HavuzbaÅŸÄ± and Car Square. In addition, he had the Beylerbeyi Mosque substantially repaired, built a mosque, a fountain and a bath and shops around Emirgi in Emirgân in 1783, and another one for Hümâşah Sultan and his son Mehmed. The fountain has been built more. In addition to these, there is a fountain next to NesliÅŸah Mosque in Istinye, and another fountain on the embankment between Dolmabahçe and KabataÅŸ. [5] wrote down the troubles he saw before, to the grand vizier or to the governor of his empire. He accepted the invitations of the and his grand vizier and went to his mansions, followed by the reading of Quran. He was humble and a religious Sultan.[7] is known that Abdul Hamid I was fond of his children, was interested in family life, spent the summer months in Karaağaç, BeÅŸiktaÅŸ with his consorts, sons and daughters. His daughter Esma Sultan's dressing styles, her passion for entertainment, her journey to the objects with her journeymen and concubines have set an example for Istanbul ladies.[8] St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; St Peter of Cetinje, Commemorated on October 18; New Martyr Zachariah, Commemorated on January 20; New Martyr Theodore, Commemorated on January 30; St John the New Martyr of Bulgaria, Commemorated on March 5; Venerable Paisius of Hilandar, Bulgaria, Commemorated on June 19; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1782, Zachariah, at Patra, repented rejecting Christ, becoming Muslim, tortured, divine light over burial well
Greece, 1782, Zachariah, New Martyr at Patra (Patras) in Achaia, West Greece, fPeloponnesos, renounced Christ became Moslem, went to Patras, to be furrier, often read his Salvation tSinners book, which moved him tRepentence, wept bitterly, told Elder of his sin, after praying fasting 20 days back tElder, confessed sins, asked Elders blessing tSeek Martyrdom, refused, warned may not be killed swiftly, much torture, might betray Christ second time, but Z said he was preparedd, Elders prayers oAbsolution, E charismated Z, plus Holy Mysteries, then blessed him go back declare his faith, on the way asked forgivenss every Christian he met, went tJudges house, said deceived to accept Moslem religion, come to senses, returned tChrist, into prison, beaten 3x aDay, finally died stretched on rack, Christians wanted body, Muslims refused, unworthy for burial, neither Christian or Muslim, body dragged tStreets, into dry well, landing on knees&upright position, radiant light over well next night, Turks filled well with dirt&debris, so he received crown oGlory washing away sins in 1782; Patras; New Martyr Zachariah, Commemorated on January 20 ; Holy New Martyr Zachariah was from the Peloponnesos in Greece. renounced Christ to become a Moslem, then went to ancient Patras and worked there as a furrier. had a book, The Salvation of Sinners, which he often read. The book moved him to repentance, and he wept bitterly for the great evil he had done. Zachariah met a certain Elder and told him of his sin. praying and fasting for twenty days, he returned to the Elder and confessed all the sins he had committed during his life. he asked the Elder’s blessing to seek martyrdom, the holy man tried to discourage him. warned that he might not be killed swiftly, but only after much torture. also pointed out the danger that Zachariah would betray Christ a second time under the torments he would endure. saint, aflame with zeal for martyrdom, said he was prepared to suffer myriad punishments for the sake of Christ. Elder read the prayers of absolution and chrismated the saint (as is done when apostates from the Faith are received back into the Church), administered the Holy Mysteries to him. he blessed Zachariah to go back to the Moslems and declare his faith in Christ. his way, the saint asked forgiveness from each Christian he met. holy martyr went to the judge’s house and said that he had been deceived when he accepted their religion, now he had come to his senses and returned to Christ. Zachariah was thrown into prison, where he was beaten three times a day. the saint died by being stretched out on a rack. asked for his body so they might bury it, but the Moslems refused. said, “He is neither one of you, nor one of us, for he denied both religions. Therefore, he is unworthy of burial.” body was dragged through the streets and thrown into a dry well, landing on its knees in an upright position. saw a radiant light over the well the next night, and hastened to venerate the saint. Turks filled the well with dirt and debris to prevent such gatherings in the future. shedding his blood, the holy New Martyr Zachariah washed away the sin of his denial of Christ and received an unfading crown of glory in the year 1782.

Constantinople, 1784, New Martyr Theodore, raised Orthodox kids, renounced Christ, soon confessed tMosles, tortured, strangeled
Ephesus, 784, New Martyr Theodore, Mytilene, Lesbos Island (Between Troy and Ephesus), fMytilene, became orthodox, raised Orthodox children, renounced Christ, became Moslem, soon repented, tMt Athos, there, deeply anguished, in 1784 tLord blessed him to confess his faith before Moslem judge, who ordered severe torture, strangeled, tossed into sea, christians buried body in Church; Mytilene; New Martyr Theodore, Commemorated on January 30 ; Holy New Martyr Theodore was born in the city of Mytilene, where he married and raised children in Orthodox piety. renounced Christ and accepted the Moslem religion, but soon repented of his sin, left his family and went to Mt. Athos. even in the monastery Saint Theodore was deeply anguished by his denial of Christ. Lord blessed the saint to confess the Orthodox Faith before a Moslem judge in the year 1784. enraged judge gave orders to fiercely torture the holy martyr, then they strangled him with a rope and cast him into the sea. buried the body of the holy Martyr Theodore in the church of Saint John the Forerunner.

Constantinople, 1789-1807, Ottoman Sultan, Selim III, poet, musician, education, military
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1789-1807, Selim III; III (24 December 1761 – 28 July 1808) was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1789 to 1807. regarded as an enlightened ruler,[1] the Janissaries eventually deposed and imprisoned him, and placed his cousin Mustafa on the throne as Mustafa IV. Selim was subsequently killed by a group of assassins. III was the son of Sultan Mustafa III and his wife MihriÅŸah Sultan. mother MihriÅŸah Sultan originated in Georgia, and when she became the Valide Sultan, she participated in reforming the government schools and establishing political corporations. father Ottoman Sultan Mustafa III was very well educated and believed in the necessity of reforms. Mustafa III attempted to create a powerful army during the peacetime with professional, well-educated soldiers. This was primarily motivated by his fear of a Russian invasion. the Russo-Turkish War, he fell ill and died of a heart attack in 1774. Sultan Mustafa was aware of the fact that a military reform was necessary. He declared new military regulations and opened maritime and artillery academies. Mustafa was very influenced by mysticism. predicted his son Selim would be a world-conqueror, so he organized a joyous feast lasting seven days. was very well educated in the palace. Sultan Mustafa III bequeathed his son as his successor; however, Selim's uncle Abdul Hamid I ascended the throne after Mustafa's death. Sultan Abdul Hamid I took care of Selim and put great emphasis on his education. Abdul Hamid's death, Selim succeeded him on 7 April 1789, not yet 27 years old. Selim III was very fond of literature and calligraphy; many of his works were put on the walls of mosques and convents. He wrote many poems, especially about Crimea's occupation by Russia. He spoke Arabic, Persian and Serb-Bulgar fluently. III showed great importance to patriotism and religion. He demonstrated his skills in poetry, music and was fond of fine arts and the army. St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; New Martyr Chryse (Zlata) of Meglena, Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 13; St Peter of Cetinje, Commemorated on October 18; St Paisius, Commemorated on December 17; St Hilarion the Georgian, the New, Commemorated on February 14; Monkmartyr Agathangelus of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 19; Martyred Fathers and Mothers of Atchara, Commemorated on May 29; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1794, Anastasius of Strumitza Eparchy, Bulgaria (Strumitza River 1), Thessalonica, selling Turkish clothes story
Bulgaria, 1794, St Anastasius of Strumitza Eparchy, Bulgaria (Strumitza River 1), in Thessalonica, selling Turkish clothes without paying duty, dressing like a turk, could not recite moslem salutation, armed w sword, refused becomming Moslem, tortured and died; Strumica; St Anastasius of the Strumitza Eparchy, Commemorated on August 29; New Martyr Anastasius, a Bulgarian, was born in 1774 in the Strumnitsk diocese, in the village of Radovicha. parents gave him over to military studies. the youth was twenty years old, he happened to be with his teacher in Thessalonica. master wanted to sell some Turkish clothes without paying the customary duty. He told his disciple to dress himself as a Turk and go into the city. collectors of the duty stopped him and demanded the written receipt of duty payment. The youth answered that he was a Turk. Then the collectors demanded that he recite the salutation with the Moslem prayer. The youth became confused and quiet. They ordered him to appear before the commander, who in interrogating the martyr suggested that he become a Moslem. The youth refused, and they led him away to the chief tax-collector. official tried at first to flatter, then to threaten the martyr, who admitted his civil guilt, but would not agree to betray the holy Faith. The tax-collector made this known to the mufti, who in turn answered, “You have in one hand the sword, in the other the law, use what you wish.” knew that by law the tax-collector ought to collect the tax from the youth, but then by judgment of the mufti he would not be a follower of Mohammed, armed with a sword. he had received such an answer, the commander of the haraje sent the youth to the local mullah together with five Turks, who were obliged to testify that the Christian had blasphemed the Moslem religion. the accusations of blasphemy against Mohammed by these witnesses, the youth honestly answered that he did not blaspheme him, but he would allow having shown disrespect to Moslem customs. subjected him to torture and condemned him to hanging. Along the way, they continued to urge the martyr to renounce his faith, but bleeding and exhausted, he fell upon the wayside and died on August 29, 1794.

Constantinople, 1794-1795, New Martyr Theodore, Neochorion (New Village) near C &Andrianople, CtIslam then back during plague
Greece, 1794-1795, New Martyr Theodore, Neochorion (New Village), Evros, on Roman Road Via Egnatia, near Adrianople, worked at Sultan's palace, converted to Islam, during plague converted back, to Chios & Mytilene, confessed in M, hanged there; Neochorion, Evros; (Greek: Νεοχώρι meaning new village) is a village and a community in the municipality of Orestiada in the northern part of the Evros regional unit in Greece. The community includes the village Patagi. It is situated 7 km west of the centre of Orestiada. Year Neochori village Patagi Community 1981 1,612 - - 1991 1,138 - - 2001 1,159 278 1,437 2011 739 163 902 History[edit] It was annexed to Greece in 1920, prior it was ruled by the Ottomans. It adopted its current name after the annexation, refugees flowed into the village and the Turkish population was displaced eastward. New Martyr Theodore, Commemorated on February 17; Holy New Martyr Theodore was born of pious parents in Neochorion near Constantinople in 1774. He worked in the palace of the Sultan, where he converted to Islam. a plague broke out in Constantinople, he realized the gravity of his sin and returned to Christianity. He went to Chios and then to Mytilene, where he confessed Christ before the Moslem authorities. He was imprisoned, tortured, then hanged by the Turks in 1795.

Constantinople, 1794-1802, New Mrtr Lazarus, Pergamon Shephrd, Moslem attacked bhDog, rape charge, prayed tGeorge, tongue healed
Bulgaria, 1794-1802, New Martyr Lazarus of Gabrovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 1), Shepherd near Pergamon, Moslem wife attacked by his dog, saved her but she said he attached her, her husband attacked wrong man, to hide mistake had wife's relatives charge Laz wRape, relatives offered $1,000 if he converts, horrible tortures, red hot irons, heavy stones on chest, prayed Lord &St George, tongue ruined by hot iron, heated band on head, med doctor merchant John oZagora, aga's doctor, saw his tongue healed, encouraged him, aga realized tHealing, I have 1 God in 3 persons, will die Orthodox C, condemned him to hang ; Gabrovo, Bulgaria ; New Martyr Lazarus of Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 23; Holy New Martyr Lazarus was from Gabrovo, Bulgaria and he was born to devout and God-loving parents in 1774. a young age he left Gabrovo and went to Soma in Asia Minor, near Pergamon, where he became a shepherd. day while tending his sheep in the fields, he sat down to rest, and fell asleep. a Moslem woman passed by, and was attacked by the sheep dog. by the dog's barking, Lazarus hastened to save her. dog was calmed down and the woman was unharmed, but her dress was somewhat torn. infuriated the woman, who immediately went home and told her husband that she had been attacked by a Christian shepherd who attempted to molest her. enraged husband went out to look for Lazarus, but since he did not know him, he mistook another man for Lazarus, and nearly beat him to death. order to hide his mistake, the husband had his wife's relatives go before the Turkish judge and to charge Lazarus with attempted rape. Lazarus was aware of what the woman's husband planned to do, he did not attempt to hide. He knew that he was innocent, and that running away would only make him appear guilty. on April 7, 1802, he showed up in court, where he was charged and thrown into prison. the meantime, the woman's relatives insisted that Lazarus must either convert to Islam or be executed for the dishonor he had inflicted upon their relative. They offered the aga a thousand grosia if he succeeded in converting Lazarus; or if the Saint refused to deny Christ, he must be sentenced to death. prison, saints Lazarus was beaten continuously until April 22, in an attempt to force his conversion. Christians came and visited Lazarus to give him support and encouragement, but he requested them to leave because they were placing themselves in danger. the aga grew increasingly angry because Lazarus would not convert, and the one thousand grosia seemed to be slipping through his fingers. Lazarus remained steadfast in the face of torture and flattery, and so the aga confiscated his herd of forty sheep. Tuesday of Saint Thomas week (April 22) the aga ordered more tortures for Lazarus. After his tormentors got drunk, they began applying red-hot irons to Lazarus' body. Then they placed heavy stones upon his chest, Lazarus still refused to submit. Instead, Lazarus entreated the Lord to help him, and he also prayed to Saint George (April 23), asking for his assistance. the torturers stretched out Lazarus' tongue and applied a hot iron to it, burning the front half and cauterizing the rest. Lazarus was now unable to speak, they told him to use sign language when he was ready to convert. They also placed a heated iron band around his head, causing him terrible pain. sunset, the merchant John from Zagora, who was also a medical doctor, went to see the aga, with whom he was acquainted, because he was the physician to the aga's household. John went to the window of the prison and was able to see Lazarus sitting on the floor. Not only did he seem to be well, but he was also able to speak normally. The doctor, who was an Orthodox Christian, encouraged Lazarus to persevere until the end, and to endure everything for the love of Christ. He spoke to Lazarus in Turkish, since he did not know Bulgarian and Lazarus did not understand Greek. Lazarus assured the doctor that he would not give in, but he was afraid that the Moslems would become tired of torturing him and would just stop instead of putting him to death. the aga learned that Lazarus could speak, he became angry with the torturers, whom he thought had deceived him. Yet when he saw the marks of torture on the Saint's body, he was convinced that the men had done their job. After trying once more to make Lazarus convert, he heard him reject all gifts, honors, and promises of wealth if he became a Moslem. Saint Lazarus told him, "I have one God in three persons, Whom I worship and adore. I was baptized as an Orthodox Christian, and I shall die as an Orthodox Christian." Then the aga ordered that he be hanged. the way to the place of his execution, many Moslems mocked Lazarus for being so foolish as to give up his life for Jesus Christ. When they arrived at their destination, Saint Lazarus voluntarily placed the rope around his own neck and stood on a basket, and then the executioner kicked it from under his feet. Thus the Holy New Martyr Lazarus endured martyrdom on April 23, 1802. He was twenty-eight years old when he departed from this temporal life, and inherited everlasting life. Now, in the Kingdom of Heaven, he joins the angels and all the Saints in glorifying the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit throughout the ages. Church Service in honor of Saint Lazarus was composed by Saint Nikephoros of Chios (May 1). Portions of his relics can be venerated in Leimonos Monastery in Lesbos, and in the Chapel of Saint Xenia of Saint Petersburg at Mandra in Attica.

Constantinople, 1797-1800, Constantine oHydra &Rhodes, converted tIslam, repented, martyred, Island of Rhodes, Caria
Greece, 1797-1800, Constantine oHydra (island), Southern Greece, tRhodes, converted tIslam, repented, t, sought martyrdom, tKrimi, tConstantinople, tIveron, tRhodes, martyred; Rhodes; knights of Rhodes; New Martyr Constantine of Hydra, Commemorated on November 14; Holy New Martyr Constantine was born on the island of Hydra; his father was named Michael, and his mother was called Marina. the age of eighteen, he left Hydra and went to Rhodes, where he served the Turkish ruler Hasan Kapetan. Constantine converted to Islam and took the name Hasan, in honor of his master. For three years he received great honors and was content. however, he felt remorse for denying Christ. He gave alms to Orthodox Christians, prayed with bitter tears, and showed great reverence to the Orthodox priests he encountered. decided to atone for his sin by martyrdom. So he found a Spiritual Father, to whom he confessed, asking for his blessing to seek martyrdom. how young he was, his Spiritual Father advised him to wait. obeyed and left Rhodes, traveling to the city of Krimi, then to Constantinople, and from there he went to the Holy Mountain. Ivḗron Monastery he prepared himself for martyrdom. With the blessing of the Fathers, he returned to Rhodes and presented himself to the ruler, and courageously confessed Christ. The tortures he endured were horrible. he was hanged on November 14, 1800. at Saint Constantine's birthplace on Hydra, there is a beautiful church which is dedicated to him, and there his holy relics are kept. fragment from Saint Constantine's relics is in the "Quick to Hear" Icon at Saint Tikhon's Monastery church in Pennsylvania. Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated January 7 ; Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Commemorated on May 9;

Constantinople, 1800-1899, 19th Century Folder, Ottoman E., Balkan Revolt and Muhammad Ali of Egypt

Constantinople, 1801-1814, New Martyr Ignatius, Bulgaria, confessed before kadi breaking earlier m promise, tortured, hanged
Bulgaria, 1801-1814, New Martyr Ignatius, Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2.3), Rila M, then Athos, father refused fight Serb Orthodox, Mother Sister b moslem, turned him in, escaped t Romania, then Athos, confessed before kadi breaking earlier moslem promise, tortured, hanged; Trnovo, Bulgaria (Yantra River 2); New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; holy New Martyr Ignatius was born in the village of Eski Zagora in the Trnovo region of Bulgaria, and was named John in Baptism. he was still a young child, his parents George and Maria moved to the city of Philippopolis and enrolled him in a school there. he did well at school, he had a strong desire for the monastic life. reaching adulthood, he entered the Rila monastery in western Bulgaria. he was assigned to an Elder, with whom he lived in obedience for six years. the Elder’s strictness became unbearable, John returned home. that time the Serbs rose in revolt against the Moslem government. ’s father was asked to take command of an Ottoman brigade, but he refused to fight against other Orthodox Christians. Moslems attacked George with furious anger. He was stabbed and then beheaded. ’s mother and sisters were also taken by the Hagarenes, and they ultimately agreed to convert to Islam. fled and hid in the home of an elderly Orthodox woman. mother and sisters learned where he was hiding, and they told the Moslems. sent to capture him did not know what he looked like, so the old woman told them she did not know him. woman helped him escape to Bucharest, Romania, he became acquainted with Saint Euthymius, who would also endure martyrdom. did not wish to stay in Bucharest, however, so he left for Mt. Athos. the way he visited the village of Soumla, where he ran into his friend Father Euthymius again. that Euthymius had denied Christ and beome a Moslem, John became very sad and left the village. had not gotten very far when Turkish soldiers stopped him and took all his possessions. demanded that he convert to Islam, and in his fright he told them that he would do so. with this reply, they let him go. reached the village of Eski Zagora, where he met an Athonite monk from the monastery of Grigoriou. journeyed to the Holy Mountain together, and John settled in the Skete of Saint Anna. he met Father Basil. day John and Father Basil traveled to Thessalonica on monastery business. they were there the monks David and Euthymius of Demetsana suffered martyrdom because they were Christians. was inflamed with the desire for martyrdom. Basil, however, urged him to postpone his intention, so they returned to the Holy Mountain. A short time after this, Father Basil died. a monk from the Skete of Saint Anna told him of the martyrdom of the New Martyr Euthymius (March 22), was once more filled with zeal for martyrdom. was placed under the spiritual direction of the Elder Acacius, who prescribed for him prayer, prostrations, and reading the Gospel. time, John was found worthy of monastic tonsure, and was given the new name Ignatius. Elder Acacius blessed him to travel to Constantinople with the monk Gregory in order to bear witness to Christ. receiving the Holy Mysteries in Constantinople, Ignatius felt he was ready for his ordeal. in Moslem garb, Ignatius went before the kadi and proclaimed his faith in Christ. He told him how he had promised to become a Moslem when he was younger, but now he threw his turban at the kadi’s feet and said that he would never deny Christ. that Ignatius was insane, the kadi warned him that if he did not come to his senses he would endure horrible torments before being put to death. On the other hand, if he embraced Islam, he would receive rich gifts and great honor from them. courageous martyr told the kadi to keep his gifts, for they were merely temporal gifts. “Your threats of torture and death are nothing new,” he said, “and I knew of them before I came here. In fact, I came here because of them, so that I might die for my Christ.” Ignatius went on to call Mohammed “a false prophet, a teacher of perdition, and a friend of the devil.” Then he invited the Moslems to believe in Christ, the only true God. kadi then became so angry he could not speak, so he motioned for a servant to lead Saint Ignatius out of the room. Ignatius turned and struck the servant, then knelt before the kadi and bent his neck, as if inviting him to behead him then and there. Other servants entered the room, however, and dragged him off to prison. Ignatius was brought before the kadi for questioning. When asked who had brought him to Constantinople, he replied, “My Lord Jesus Christ brought me here.” the kadi urged him to reconsider, for he was about to experience unimaginable tortures. “Do not expect to be beheaded so that the Christians can collect your blood as a blessing,” he said, “for I intend to hang you.” replied, “You will be doing me a great service whether you hang me or put me to the sword. I accept everything for the love of Christ.” that he could not turn Ignatius from his Christian Faith, the kadi ordered him to be hanged. He was taken to a place called Daktyloporta, where the sentence was carried out. The martyr’s body remained hanging there for three days, then some pious Christians paid a ransom for it and took it to the island of Prote for burial. Ignatius gave his life for Christ on October 8, 1814. He is also commemorated on May 1 with Saints Acacius and Euthymius. head of Saint Ignatius is in the Monastery of Saint Panteleimon on Mt Athos.

Constantinople, 1804, Hilarion oSkete of St Anne, converted aFreedom promise, repented i3days, confessed&martyred, blood heals
Greece, Mt Athos, 1804, Hilarion oSkete of St Anne - near the Great Lavra of Mt. Athos, 963 or 1686, uncle failed his occupation training, got job wMoslem, blamed for stealing, promised freedom if convert, repented 3 days later, 12th day ship to Crimea f10 mos, no peace decided martyrdom, renowned elders advised Mt Athos, tIveron, then tSt Anne's and Bassarion, oLuke's prep year earlier, tonsured Hilarion after strict rule and fasting, one morning H ready to confess, back to Aga at palace, threw red turban replace wBlack skoufia, all bones broken, beheaded, asceticism martyrdom crowns, Bassarion used H's blood to deliver young girl from demon; Skete of St Anne: a skete to the Great Lavra of Mt. Athos; Monastic Martyr Hilarion of Saint Anne Skete, Mount Athos, Commemorated on September 20; Hilarion was from Heraklion in Crete and his secular name was John. had five other siblings, John, Polyzoes, George, and two sisters, whose names are unknown. His parents, Francis and Katherine, had raised him with diligence, and he had learned to read and write. When he was a young man, his uncle took him to Constantinople, promising to train him for some occupation. John stayed with him for ten years, his uncle neglected to train him and did little else for him. is why John was forced to leave his uncle’s house and get a job as the clerk of a merchant from the island of Chios, who came to trust John. day, the merchant was obliged to leave his shop and travel back to Chios, placing John and another Orthodox Christian employee in charge of the business. he returned, the two employees gave their boss an accounting for the time that he was away. merchant said that he had been cheated, because the money they collected did not correspond to the value of the goods that were sold. the merchant did not make an inventory before going to Chios, he estimated that the two clerks were short by thirty grosia. other employee had been with the merchant for many years, and so all suspicion fell on John. He was told that there would be severe consequences if he did not return the money at once. that he was innocent, John asked his uncle to help him, but his uncle refused to see him. his despair he went to the palace, hoping to see the valide sultana, the Sultan’s mother. however, he met the Ethiopian eunuch, Mertzan Aga. It appears that John knew him and told him what had happened. evil Aga seized this opportunity and told him that if he converted to Islam, he would not be liable to any punishment; moreover, he would receive many riches and honors. his fear and anxiety, John accepted. he was presented to the Sultan’s mother, who introduced him to the Sultan. away, John was circumcised, and was given Muslim clothing and other gifts. In addition, a certain hodja was appointed to instruct him in Islamic teachings. days later, the young man came to himself and repented from his heart when he realized the gravity of his sin. He waited for an opportunity to escape, after twelve days he managed to board a ship for the Crimea, where he remained for ten months. knew no peace there because his conscience tormented him for his betrayal of Christ. he decided that the only way he could atone for his sin was by the path of martyrdom. to Constantinople, he consulted the renowned Spiritual Fathers, Elder Symeon and Elder Jeremiah. He told them of his intention to confess Christ in the place where he had denied Him. the Elders advised him to go to Mount Athos for a time. did exactly as he was told, and entered Ivḗron Monastery. Fathers there sent him to the Skete of St. Anna to place himself under the guidance of Hieromonk Bessarion, had prepared the New Martyr Luke (March 23) for his martyrdom the previous year. Elder accepted him and gave him a Rule of strict asceticism and fasting. Soon he received the monastic tonsure with the name Hilarion. morning, Father Hilarion told his Elder that he was ready to confess Christ, Whom he had denied. The Elder blessed his good intention, and the Saint received the Holy Mysteries. left for Constantinople together, and then Father Hilarion presented himself to the Aga at the palace. “Three days after becoming a Muslim,” he said, “I repented of what I had done, and I abandoned the darkness of error and returned to the light of truth, so I curse your religion. I was a Christian, and now I am once more.” his turban on the ground, he put on the black monastic skoufia he had concealed under his coat. the Saint’s resolve, the Aga ordered that he be tortured without mercy. His torments were so severe that all his bones were broken. Hilarion was beheaded on September 20, 1804, and received two incorruptible crowns from Christ: that of asceticism, and that of martyrdom. Bessarion was once invited to a Christian home and the children were brought to receive his blessing. One child, a little girl about eight years old, had been possessed by a demon. She turned black, made some erratic movements, and eventually she fell down as if she were dead.The Elder had some of the Saint’s blood with him, but before he could even anoint the girl with it, the demon came out of her, and the child stood up.

Constantinople, 1804-1813, First Serbian Uprising (against the Turks)
Serbia, 1804-1813, First Serbian Uprising; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated on December 17; St Paisius, Commemorated on December 17;

Constantinople, 1804-1813, Karageorgea's town, Topola, Karageorgea's revolt 1804-1813
Serbia, Karageorge'™s town, Topola, Karageorge's revolt 1804-1809, First Serbian Uprising against the Turks from Constantinople, 1804, Collapse 1813 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; St Paisius, Commemorated December 17 ; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated on December 17;

Constantinople, 1805-1848, Ottoman Sultan Muhammad Ali, founder of modern Egypt, against Sultan after 1831
Egypt, 1805-1848, Ottoman Sultan Muhammad Ali of Egypt; Ali Pasha al-Mas'ud ibn Agha, also known as Muhammad Ali of Egypt and the Sudan (4 March 1769 - 2 August 1849), the Albanian Ottoman governor and the de facto ruler of Egypt from 1805 to 1848, who is considered the founder of modern Egypt. At the height of his rule, he controlled Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt, Sudan and parts of Arabia and the entire Levant. was a military commander in an Albanian Ottoman force sent to recover Egypt from a French occupation under Napoleon. Following Napoleon's withdrawal, Muhammad Ali rose to power through a series of political maneuvers, and in 1805 he was named Wāli (viceroy) of Egypt and gained the rank of Pasha. Wāli, Muhammad Ali attempted to modernize Egypt by instituting dramatic reforms in the military, economic and cultural spheres. He also initiated a violent purge of the Mamluks, consolidating his rule and permanently ending the Mamluk hold over Egypt. Muhammad Ali recaptured the Arabian territories for the sultan, and conquered Sudan on his own accord. His attempt at suppressing the Greek rebellion failed decisively, however, following an intervention by the European powers at Navarino. 1831, Muhammad Ali waged war against the sultan, capturing Syria, crossing into Anatolia and directly threatening Constantinople, the European powers forced him to retreat. After a failed Ottoman invasion of Syria in 1839, he launched another invasion of the Ottoman Empire in 1840; he defeated the Ottomans again and opened the way towards a capture of Constantinople. Faced with another European intervention, he accepted a brokered peace in 1842 and withdrew from the Levant; in return, he and his descendants were granted hereditary rule over Egypt and Sudan. The dynasty he established would rule Egypt until the revolution of 1952 when King Farouk was overthrown by Mohamed Naguib when he succeeded him as the president of Egypt. WILLIAM WILBERFORCE [and ANTHONY ASHLEY-COOPER, 7th EARL OF SHAFTESBURY], PROPHETIC WITNESSES, 1833, 1885, Commemorated July 30 ;

Constantinople, 1808, New Martyr Demetrius of Samarina iEpirus, preaching Word, but suspctd p rebellion, silent u extreme tortr
Greece, 1808, New Martyr Demetrius of Samarina in Epirus (high up in Pindus Mts, Vlachs), preaching Word of God & Obey Law, but suspected p rebellion, tortured, nails, wood under finger nails, tightened iron band on forehead, remained silent, hanged upside down, fire underneath head, witnessing Turk believed&martyred, sealed into wall, head out, 10 days, died; Samarina in Epirus; New Martyr Demetrius of Samarina in Epirus, Commemorated on August 17; holy monk Demetrios was born in the village of Samarina, in the Pindos region of Greece in the late XVIII century. became a monk in the monastery of his homeland, where he exhausted his body and soul with fasting. Ali Pasha's 1808 suppression of an insurrection inspired by Father Euthymios Vlakhavas, Saint Demetrios came out of his monastery and went to the neighboring villages preaching the Word of God, comforting the villagers, and giving them hope. Pasha thought that Father Demetrios had also been preaching rebellion, but the monk said that he was only trying to strengthen the Christians in their faith, and urging them to respect the law. The Pasha did not believe him, so he ordered him to be subjected to cruel tortures. executioners pierced his arms with nails and then placed pieces of wood under the nails of his hands and feet. An iron band was placed around his forehead. This was tightened and produced excruciating pain. All the while they told him to name his fellow conspirators. Saint Demetrios remained silent, and he was thrown into prison. Later, he was hanged upside down, with a fire under his head. A certain Turk, after witnessing the courage of the Saint, believed in Christ and then he suffered martyrdom. Ali Pasha sealed Demetrios into a wall, leaving only his head out to prolong the torture. The Martyr survived for ten days, then he surrendered his soul to God on August 17,1808.

Constantinople, 1808-1839, Ottoman, Sultan Mahmud II, westernztn, reforms, admin, military, fiscal, revolts
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1808-1839, Mahmud II ; II (20 July 1785 - 1 July 1839) was the 30th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1808 until his death in 1839. His reign is recognized for the extensive administrative, military, and fiscal reforms he instituted, which culminated in the Decree of Tanzimat ("reorganization") that was carried out by his sons Abdulmejid I and Abdülaziz. described as "Peter the Great of Turkey",[1] Mahmud's reforms included the 1826 abolition of the conservative Janissary corps, which removed a major obstacle to his and his successors' reforms in the Empire. reforms he instituted were characterized by political and social changes, which would eventually lead to the birth of the modern Turkish Republic.[2] II is the last sultan who used his political (non-judgmental) execution authority.[clarification needed] his domestic reforms, Mahmud's reign was also marked by nationalist uprisings in Ottoman-ruled Serbia and Greece, leading to significant loss of territory for the Empire following the emergence of an independent Greek state. the general structure of the Ottoman Empire, Mahmud's reign was characterized by showing major interest to Westernization; institutions, palace order, daily life, clothing, music and many other areas saw radical reform as the Ottoman Empire opened up to the modernisation.[3] Venerable Arsenius of Paros, Commemorated on August 18 ; Monkmartyr Joseph of Dionysiou on Mt Athos, Commemorated on September 14 ; New Martyr John of Crete, Commemorated September 15 ; New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; St Peter of Cetinje, Commemorated on October 18; Monkmartyr Joseph of Dionysiou on Mt Athos, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated on December 17; St Paisius, Commemorated on December 17; Icon of the Mother of God œTinosÂ, Commemorated on January 30; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated on January 30; St Arsenius of Paros, Commemorated on January 31; St Hilarion the Georgian, the New, Commemorated on February 14; Hieromartyr Theodore of Atchara, Commemorated on February 17; St Joseph of Dionysiou, Commemorated on February 17; New Martyr Nicetas of Pojani and Serres, Commemorated on April 4; Monkmartyr Agathangelus of Esphigmenou of Mt Athos, Commemorated on April 19; New Martyr Acacius the Martyr of Mt Athos and Seres, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Euthymius of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; New Martyr Ignatius the Martyr of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 1; Venerable Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Lavra of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 7 ; St Athanasius Parios, Commemorated on June 24;

Constantinople, 1811-1813, President, Karadorde, Black George, Orthodox, with Ottomans, then against, Jihad, k by rival
Serbia, President, 1811-1813, Karadorde; Karadorde (16 November [O.S. 3 November] 1768 - 26 July [O.S. 14 July] 1817), was a Serbian revolutionary who led the struggle for his country's independence from the Ottoman Empire during the First Serbian Uprising of 1804-“1813. Born into an impoverished family in the Sumadija region of Ottoman Serbia, Karadorde distinguished himself during the Austro-Turkish War of 1788-“1791 as a member of the Serbian Free Corps, a militia of Habsburg and Ottoman Serbs, armed and trained by the Austrians. Fearing retribution following the Austrians' and Serb rebels' defeat in 1791, he and his family fled to the Austrian Empire, where they lived until 1794, when a general amnesty was declared. Karadorde subsequently returned to Sumadija and became a livestock merchant. In 1796, the rogue governor of the Sanjak of Vidin, Osman PazvantogŸlu, invaded the Pashalik of Belgrade, and Karadorde fought alongside the Ottomans to quash the incursion. In early 1804, following a massacre of Serb chieftains by renegade Ottoman janissaries known as Dahis, the Serbs of the Pashalik rebelled. Karadorde was unanimously elected to lead the uprising against the Dahis at an assembly of surviving chiefs in February 1804. Within six months, most of the Dahi leaders had been captured and executed by Karadordee's forces, and by 1805, the final remnants of Dahi resistance had been crushed. Karadorde and his followers demanded far-reaching autonomy, which Sultan Selim interpreted as but the first step towards complete independence. Selim promptly declared jihad against the rebels and ordered an army to march into the Pashalik. The Ottomans suffered a string of defeats at the hands of Karadorde's forces. By 1806, the rebels had captured all the major towns in the Pashalik, including Belgrade and Smederevo, and expelled their Muslim inhabitants. Burdened by the demands of the Russo-Ottoman War of 1806-“1812, Selim offered the Serbs extensive autonomy, but Karadorde refused in light of Russia's avowal to aid the rebels should they continue fighting. Frequent infighting, together with Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, weakened the rebels, and the Ottomans were able to reverse many of their gains. Karadorde was forced to flee Serbia in October 1813 and Belgrade fell later that month, bringing the First Serbian Uprising to a close. He and his followers sought refuge in the Austrian Empire, but were arrested and detained. Despite Ottoman requests for his extradition, the Austrians handed Karadorde over to the Russians, who offered him refuge in Bessarabia. There, he joined the Greek secret society known as Filiki Eteria, which planned to launch a pan-Balkan uprising against the Ottomans. Karadorde returned to Serbia in secret in July 1817, but was killed shortly thereafter by agents of Milos Obrenovic, a rival rebel leader, who was concerned that Karadorde's reappearance would cause the Ottomans to renege on the concessions that they had agreed to following the Second Serbian Uprising of 1815. Karadorde is considered the founder of the Karadorde dynasty, which ruled Serbia in several intervals during the 19th and 20th centuries. His murder resulted in a violent, decades-long feud between his descendants and those of Obrenovic, with the Serbian throne changing hands several times. New Martyr Ignatius the Monk of Bulgaria, Commemorated on October 8; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; St Paisius, Commemorated December 17 ; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated on December 17;

Constantinople, 1813, New Martyr David New Skete of St Anna, Mt Athos, Church Reconstructions, Mocked Turks, Hanged
Ephesus, 1813, New Martyr David of St Anne's Skete, from Aivali (Ayvalık, Mysia, Caicus River area, across from Lesbos Is), divine zeal, tSmyrna fChurch Reconstruction Money, 2Water Tanks &cells, burned fMartyrdom, tMagnesia witnessed &Mocked Turks, expelled, tSA Skete, tKaryes&former BoChristopoulos, blessing oMartyrdom, tThessaloniki, Vatopaidi Embassy Church monk had converted to Islam, intended to confront but Turks found out, beaten &Hanged; Skete of St Anna, St Paulas Monastery; New Martyr David of Saint Anne's Skete, Commemorated on June 26; Holy Monastic Martyr David was descended from the Kydonians of the town of Aivali (Αϊβαλί) in Asia Minor. inhabitants of the town had a special relationship with Mount Athos, because there were two Athonite embassy churches in their city, belonging to Ivḗron Monastery, the other to Pantokrator Monastery. Saint David left his hometown, he went to Mount Athos and lived near a fellow countryman, a brother of Saint Anne’s Skete, who later became a monk. his monastic life, Saint David was moved by divine zeal. took the initiative, after receiving the blessing of his Elder, and visited Smyrna in order to collect money for the reconstruction of the ruined churches of the Transfiguration of the Savior and that of the Theotokos on Mount Athos. completing the work on the two temples, he built two water tanks as well as a number of cells for the worshipers. did not remain on Mount Athos, he burned with the desire for martyrdom. went to Magnesia in Asia Minor, where he bore witness to Christ, and mocked the Turks for their religion. arrested him and beat him severely, and then he was expelled from their city. without fulfilling his desire, he returned to the Holy Skete of Saint Anne, he confessed to his Elder his earnest desire for martyrdom. Spiritual Father, fearing the outcome of such an act, tried to dissuade him, but he did not succeed. David went to Karyes and saw Metropolitan Pankratios, the former Bishop of Christopoulos, from whom he received a blessing to seek martyrdom. David traveled to Thessaloniki, he was told of a monk from the Vatopaidi embassy church of Saint Demetrios, who had converted to Islam. David attempted to confront this monk, somehow the Turks had learned of his intention. Turks arrested the Saint, and after they had beaten him, they handed him over to the judge for trial. judge, fearing that Saint David might persuade the monk to abandon Islam and to confess Christ, ordered the Saint to be executed at once. same night, June 26, 1813, Saint David suffered a martyric death by hanging. Monastic Martyr David is particularly honored at the Skete of Saint Anne on the Holy Mountain.

Constantinople, 1813-1814, Paisus, Igumen oAnnunciation, Hadj-Prodan revolt, carried stake, impaled, exclaimed Glory tGod
Serbia, 1813-1814, Paisus, oAnnunciation monastery in Trnava, one of the 30 Ovcar-Kablar Gorge Monestaries, Igumen, collapse Karageorg's revolt 1813, Turks reign oTerror began, disease fBodies unburied, another revolt under Hadj-Prodan, Trnava monks involved, r crushed bTurks, many people captured executed, Pasius Avakum other prisoners tBelgrade Suleman Pasha, Avakum sang Pasius prayed, few converted to islam, P forced carry Stake fPrison, impaled exclaimed Glory tGod, 48 people killed wSwords, bodies raised on posts, died 1814; Ovcar-Kablar Gorge Monestaries, Ovcar-Kablar Gorge; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; St Paisius, commemorated December 17 ; holy New Martyr Paisius was igumen of the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, Serbia. the collapse of Karageorge’s revolt in 1813, the Turks began a reign of terror against the Serbs. also swept the area because of the many bodies left unburied. people attempted another revolt under Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic, the monks of Trnava became involved in it. rebellion took place on the Feast of the Cross (September 14), but it was crushed by the Turks. Many people were captured, and some were executed on the spot as a warning to others. of the prisoners were sent to Suleiman Pasha in Belgrade, among whom were Saints Paisius and Avakum. holy deacon Avakum sang “God is with us” (from Compline) in the prison cell, while Saint Paisius prayed. Turks offered to free anyone who would convert to Islam. Some of the prisoners agreed to this, but the majority refused to deny Christ, and so they were put to death. Paisius was taken from prison and forced to carry a stake to the place of execution. was impaled, and the stake was set into the ground. The holy martyr exclaimed, “Glory to God.” the vizier clapped his hands to signal his soldiers to draw their swords and begin killing some of the other prisoners. people were killed, and their bodies were raised up on posts. After suffering for some time, Saint Paisius surrendered his soul to God, thereby obtaining the crown of martyrdom on December 17, 1814.

Constantinople, 1814, Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic's town, Nevede, Hadj-Prodan's Revolt 1814
Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic's town, Nevede, Serbia, Hadj-Prodan's Revolt 1814 ; Gligorijevic, known simply as Hadj-Prodan (1760 -1825) was a Serbian voivode (military commander) in the First Serbian Uprising of the Serbian Revolution, then the Greek War of Independence, against the Ottoman Empire. He led an unsuccessful rebellion in 1814, dubbedHadj-Prodan's Revolt. Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; St Paisius, Commemorated December 17 ; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated on December 17;

Constantinople, 1814-1815, Avakum, Bosnia Region, two failed revolts, to be impaled, sooner I die the fewer sins
Serbia, 1814-1815, Avakum, Bosnia Region (Sarajvo, Bosna River, Flows North), two failed revolts, spiritual father and mother accepted Islam and urged him to, sentenced to be impaled on a stake, the sooner I die the fewer sins I will have; Bosnia Region ; Bosnia lies mainly in the Dinaric Alps, ranging to the southern borders of the Pannonian plain, with the rivers Sava and Drina marking its northern and eastern borders ; Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; holy New Martyr Avakum (Habakkuk) was born in Bosnia in 1794, and was named Lepoje by his parents. ’s father died when he was still a young boy, so his mother took him to the Mostanica monastery, where his uncle was the spiritual Father. He grew up in the monastery, and later became a monk with the name Avakum. When he was eighteen, he was ordained a deacon by Metropolitan Joseph (Sakabenta). 1809, the monks took part in an unsuccessful revolt against the Turks, and had to flee for their lives. They settled in the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, where the igumen was Saint Paisius. the collapse of Karageorge’s revolt in 1813, the Turks began a reign of terror against the Serbs. also swept the area because of the many bodies left unburied. people attempted another revolt under Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic, and the monks of Trnava became involved in it. The rebellion took place on the Feast of the Cross (September 14), but it was crushed by the Turks. Many people were captured, and some were executed on the spot as a warning to others. of the prisoners were sent to Suleiman Pasha in Belgrade, among whom were Saints Paisius and Avakum. The holy deacon Avakum sang “God is with us” (from Compline) in the prison cell, while Saint Paisius prayed. The Turks offered to free anyone who would convert to Islam. Some of the prisoners agreed to this, but the majority refused to deny Christ, and so they were put to death. Turks tried to pressure Avakum to save himself by embracing their religion, but he refused even to consider it. former spiritual Father, Gennadius, accepted the offer of the Turks and urged Avakum to follow his example. The courageous deacon declared that he was a warrior of Christ, and preferred to die rather than deny Christ. Avakum was sentenced to be impaled on a stake, which he was forced to carry to the place of execution. own mother urged him to embrace Islam, then to seek forgiveness later because he had been forced into it. The saint thanked her for giving him life, but not for her advice. the place of execution, the Turks asked him one more time to consider his youth and not to die before his time. Avakum laughed and asked, “Don’t even Turks eventually die?” replied, “Of course they do.” “Well then,” he said, “the sooner I die, the fewer sins I will have.” of his courage and steadfastness in his faith, the Turks decided not to impale him. They killed him quickly by stabbing him in the heart with a sword on January 27, 1815. Avakum the deacon is commemorated on December 17 with Saint Paisius. St Paisius, Commemorated on December 17 ; holy New Martyr Paisius was igumen of the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, Serbia. the collapse of Karageorge’s revolt in 1813, the Turks began a reign of terror against the Serbs. also swept the area because of the many bodies left unburied. people attempted another revolt under Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic, and the monks of Trnava became involved in it. rebellion took place on the Feast of the Cross (September 14), but it was crushed by the Turks. Many people were captured, and some were executed on the spot as a warning to others. of the prisoners were sent to Suleiman Pasha in Belgrade, among whom were Saints Paisius and Avakum. holy deacon Avakum sang “God is with us” (from Compline) in the prison cell, while Saint Paisius prayed. The Turks offered to free anyone who would convert to Islam. Some of the prisoners agreed to this, but the majority refused to deny Christ, and so they were put to death. Paisius was taken from prison and forced to carry a stake to the place of execution. was impaled, and the stake was set into the ground. The holy martyr exclaimed, “Glory to God.” Then the vizier clapped his hands to signal his soldiers to draw their swords and begin killing some of the other prisoners. people were killed, and their bodies were raised up on posts. After suffering for some time, Saint Paisius surrendered his soul to God, thereby obtaining the crown of martyrdom on December 17, 1814.

Constantinople, 1814-1815, Paisius, Bosnia Region, two failed revolts, impaled, Igumen Trnava monastery
Serbia, 1814-1815, Avakum, Bosnia Region (Sarajvo, Bosna River, Flows North), two failed revolts, spiritual father and mother accepted Islam and urged him to, sentenced to be impaled on a stake, the sooner I die the fewer sins I will have; Bosnia Region ; Bosnia lies mainly in the Dinaric Alps, ranging to the southern borders of the Pannonian plain, with the rivers Sava and Drina marking its northern and eastern borders ; St Paisius, Commemorated on December 17 ; holy New Martyr Paisius was igumen of the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, Serbia. the collapse of Karageorge’s revolt in 1813, the Turks began a reign of terror against the Serbs. also swept the area because of the many bodies left unburied. people attempted another revolt under Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic, and the monks of Trnava became involved in it. rebellion took place on the Feast of the Cross (September 14), but it was crushed by the Turks. Many people were captured, and some were executed on the spot as a warning to others. of the prisoners were sent to Suleiman Pasha in Belgrade, among whom were Saints Paisius and Avakum. holy deacon Avakum sang “God is with us” (from Compline) in the prison cell, while Saint Paisius prayed. The Turks offered to free anyone who would convert to Islam. Some of the prisoners agreed to this, but the majority refused to deny Christ, and so they were put to death. Paisius was taken from prison and forced to carry a stake to the place of execution. was impaled, and the stake was set into the ground. The holy martyr exclaimed, “Glory to God.” Then the vizier clapped his hands to signal his soldiers to draw their swords and begin killing some of the other prisoners. people were killed, and their bodies were raised up on posts. After suffering for some time, Saint Paisius surrendered his soul to God, thereby obtaining the crown of martyrdom on December 17, 1814. Martyr Avakum the Deacon of Serbia, Commemorated December 17 ; holy New Martyr Avakum (Habakkuk) was born in Bosnia in 1794, and was named Lepoje by his parents. ’s father died when he was still a young boy, so his mother took him to the Mostanica monastery, where his uncle was the spiritual Father. He grew up in the monastery, and later became a monk with the name Avakum. When he was eighteen, he was ordained a deacon by Metropolitan Joseph (Sakabenta). 1809, the monks took part in an unsuccessful revolt against the Turks, and had to flee for their lives. They settled in the Annunciation monastery in Trnava near Cacak, where the igumen was Saint Paisius. the collapse of Karageorge’s revolt in 1813, the Turks began a reign of terror against the Serbs. also swept the area because of the many bodies left unburied. people attempted another revolt under Hadj-Prodan Gligorijevic, and the monks of Trnava became involved in it. The rebellion took place on the Feast of the Cross (September 14), but it was crushed by the Turks. Many people were captured, and some were executed on the spot as a warning to others. of the prisoners were sent to Suleiman Pasha in Belgrade, among whom were Saints Paisius and Avakum. The holy deacon Avakum sang “God is with us” (from Compline) in the prison cell, while Saint Paisius prayed. The Turks offered to free anyone who would convert to Islam. Some of the prisoners agreed to this, but the majority refused to deny Christ, and so they were put to death. Turks tried to pressure Avakum to save himself by embracing their religion, but he refused even to consider it. former spiritual Father, Gennadius, accepted the offer of the Turks and urged Avakum to follow his example. The courageous deacon declared that he was a warrior of Christ, and preferred to die rather than deny Christ. Avakum was sentenced to be impaled on a stake, which he was forced to carry to the place of execution. own mother urged him to embrace Islam, then to seek forgiveness later because he had been forced into it. The saint thanked her for giving him life, but not for her advice. the place of execution, the Turks asked him one more time to consider his youth and not to die before his time. Avakum laughed and asked, “Don’t even Turks eventually die?” replied, “Of course they do.” “Well then,” he said, “the sooner I die, the fewer sins I will have.” of his courage and steadfastness in his faith, the Turks decided not to impale him. They killed him quickly by stabbing him in the heart with a sword on January 27, 1815. Avakum the deacon is commemorated on December 17 with Saint Paisius.

Constantinople, 1820-1877, Arsenius oParos Island, Cyclades, learned art of arts from Daniel, cut will&obedience leads tGifts
Greece, 1820-1877, Arsenius oParos Island, Cyclades, fIoannina, Epirus, orphaned young, tKydoniai, Hieromonk Gregory Saraphis' school at 9, humility piety revealed tTeachers, at 14 became Daniel oZagora's disciple till latter's death, Daniel tAthos, desire to become monk, D instructed him monk life, which called the Art of Arts, science oSciences, tonsured, 3 lessons: cut off own will, acquire humility, learn obedience, 6 yrs on Athos, agitation against Kolyvades, memorial services for dead on Sunday, inappropriate for ressurection day, Frequent communion, 1821 tMonastery oPendeli near Athens before tIndependence War, Daniel forsaw monastery destruction bTurks, tCyclades islands, first Paros, then Pholegandros, Daniel allowed A instruct children, ordained deacon, govt teaching post, taught there 1829-1840, then entered monastery St George on Paros, Daniek had died 1837, had asked take remains Mt Athos after 2yrs, on way stopped Paros, Father Elias told him it was God's will he remain on Paros, providential, Greek War Independence 3K Turks occupied Athos, 5 of the6k monks left Athos, he joined St George's monastery, found worthy models to follow, ordained priest at 47, intensified effort, unceasing prayer otHeart, studied scriptures holy father's writings, showed gift oTears, outstanding father confessor spiritual guide, serving face became radiant, Girl fSyros story, repented sin, nun sister reject her, go drown yourself harlot, met by Arsenius on way to convent, made her a nun, severly rebuked those nuns, A forsaw his death month before, told everyone, Paros people came to bid farewell; Island of Paros; St Arsenius of Paros, Commemorated January 31 ; Arsenius was born on January 31, 1800 in Ioannina, Epirus of pious Orthodox parents. holy Baptism he was given the name Athanasius. parents died when he was quite young. was only nine years old when he made his way to Kydoniai, Asia Minor, he was received by Hieromonk Gregory Saraphis and enrolled in his school. humility and piety endeared him to Father Gregory and also to the other teachers. boy remained at the school for five years, surpassing the other students in learning and in virtue. day the renowned Spiritual Father Daniel of Zagora, Thessaly came to the school to hear confessions. became Daniel’s disciple, remaining with him until the latter’s death. long after this, Father Daniel decided to go to the Holy Mountain for quiet and spiritual struggles. begged his Elder not to leave him, but to take him with him. expressed the desire to travel to Mt. Athos, the Garden of the All-Holy Virgin, and to become a monk. Daniel instructed Athanasius in the monastic life, is called “the art of arts, and the science of sciences.” holy Elder was a perfect teacher who was accomplished in the spiritual life, Athanasius was an attentive student. a time Father Daniel tonsured his pupil, and told him he had to learn three important lessons. he must cut off his own will. he must acquire humility. he must learn obedience. “If you cut off your will, if you become humble, and if you practice perfect obedience, you will also make progress in the other virtues, and God will glorify you.” a further period of testing, Father Daniel tonsured Athanasius into the Great Schema and gave him the name Arsenius. saint remained on Mt. Athos with his Elder for six years. they had to leave the Holy Mountain because of the agitation against the so-called “Kollyvades,” who called for a strict adherence to Holy Tradition. name comes from the kollyva (boiled wheat) used in the memorial service. of the controversy involved the debate on whether it was proper to serve memorial services for the dead on Sunday. Kollyvades believed that these services were inappropriate for the Day of Resurrection, but should be served on Saturday. Kollyvades advocated frequent Communion, rather than the practice of receiving the Holy Mysteries only a few times during the year. Father Daniel and Saint Arsenius left Athos, it was probably due to the animosity of those who opposed the Kollyvades. in 1821, before the Greek War of Independence, they went to the Monastery of Pendeli near Athens. stay was a brief one, for Father Daniel forsaw the destruction of the monastery by the Turks. two made their way to the Cyclades Islands in the southern Aegean Sea. they stopped at Paros, perhaps because some of the Kollyvades had settled there. they decided to live on the island of Pholegandros. there were no teachers for the children, the inhabitants entreated Father Daniel to allow Saint Arsenius to instruct their children. Elder agreed, and had Arsenius ordained as a deacon. Then he was appointed to the teaching post by the government. saint remained there as a teacher from 1829-1840. He taught the required subjects in school, but he also helped his students to form a good character, and to live as pious Christians. 1840 Saint Arsenius entered the Monastery of Saint George on the island of Paros. Daniel had passed away in 1837. his repose, he asked his disciple to take his remains to Mt. Athos after two years. Arsenius left Plolegandros in obedience to Father Daniel’s request, planning to stop on Paros then continue to the Holy Mountain. Paros the abbot of Saint George’s Monastery, Father Elias Georgiadis, told Saint Arsenius that it was God’s will for him to remain on Paros. was providential, because Mt. Athos was undergoing great difficulty after the Greek War of Independence. Turkish soldiers occupied Athos, resulting in the departure of 5,000 of the 6,000 monks. Arsenius joined the community at Saint George’s Monastery on the northern end of Paros. he found spiritual strivers of true wisdom and excellent conduct, who were worthy models for him to follow. he was ordained to the holy priesthood at the age of forty-seven, Saint Arsenius intensified his spiritual efforts. day he studied the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers, and became adept at the unceasing prayer of the heart. also began to show forth the gift of tears. In this, he resembled his patron Saint Arsenius the Great (May 8), who continuously wept tears of contrition. the inhabitants of Paros came to recognize him as an outstanding Father Confessor and spiritual guide. he stood before the holy altar, he felt that he was standing before God. served with great compunction, his face often became radiant like the face of an angel. his virtues became known to people, they flocked to him from near and far. received all with paternal affection, treating each one with the proper spiritual medicine which would restore their souls to health. certain girl from Syros came to the Convent of the Transfiguration to visit her sister, who was a nun. nun had previously been informed that her sister had fallen into a serious sin. When she learned that the girl was outside the doors of the convent, the nun screamed at her, “Go far away from here. Since you are defiled, you will defile the convent and the nuns.” of feeling pity for her sister, and trying to lead her to repentance, the nun and some of the other nuns struck the poor girl and told her to go away. wretched girl cried, “I have made a mistake. Forgive me!” nun shrieked, “Go away, or I will kill you to wash away the shame you have brought to our family.” “Have you no pity, my sister, don’t you share my pain?” “No,” the nun shouted, “you are not my sister, you are a foul harlot.” “Where shall I go?” she sobbed. “Go and drown yourself,” was the heartless reply. poor girl fled from the convent, bleeding and wounded, intending to kill herself. that very moment, Saint Arsenius was on his way to visit the convent. the girl in such a state, he asked her what was wrong. She explained that she had been led astray by corrupt men and women. Realizing her sin, she went to the convent to ask her sister for help “See what they have done to me, Elder. What do you advise me to do? Shall I drown myself, or leap off a cliff?” “I do not advise you to do either, my child. If you wish, I shall take you with me and heal the wounds of your soul and body,” he said gently. “Where will you take me?” the miserable girl asked. “To the convent, my child.” “I beg you not to take me there, Elder. My sister and the other nuns said they would kill me if I came back.” saint replied, “Do not be afraid. They will not kill you, because I shall entrust you to Christ, and no one will be able to harm you.” “Very well,” she said, “If you entrust me to Christ I will not be afraid of them, for Christ is more powerful than they.” Arsenius led her to the convent, consoling her and encouraging her to repentance and confession. hearing her confession, he made her a nun. he called all the nuns into the church and severely rebuked those who wounded the girl. reminded them of the parable of the Prodigal Son, and of how Christ had come to save sinners. He often associated with sinners, showing them great love and mercy. “You, however, have done the opposite. Though you knew that her soul had been wounded by the devil, you did not feel sorry for her. You did not embrace her and try to save her from further sin, but you attacked her and beat her. Then you urged her to kill herself. I, your Spiritual Father, tell you that you are not nuns, you are not Christians, you are not even human beings. You are devoid of compassion, affection, and sympathy. You are murderesses! I forbid you to receive Holy Communion for three years, unless you recognize your sin. Repent and confess, weep and ask forgiveness from God and from me, your Spiritual Father, and from the other nuns who did not participate in your sinful behavior.” nuns began to weep bitterly and they repented. he lessened their penance and forgave them. gave the girl’s sister the penance of not receiving Holy Communion for a whole year. the other nuns had shared in this sin, he would not permit them to receive Communion for six months. Arsenius foresaw his death a month before it occurred. the Liturgy for the Feast of Saint Basil, he announced that he would soon depart from them. With great effort, he was able to serve for the Feast of the Theophany. After the service, he told some nuns that this had been his last Liturgy. of the saint’s illness and approaching death spread quickly to all the villages of Paros. wept because they were about to lose their Spiritual Father, and they hastened to bid him farewell and to receive his blessing. the eve of his repose, he called the nuns of the convent to come to him. He told them that the next day he would leave this temporary life and enter into eternal life. January 31, 1877 Saint Arsenius received Holy Communion for the last time and fell asleep in the Lord. three days, people came to kiss his body, then they followed the funeral procession to the burial site which he himself had selected. Arsenius of Paros was glorified by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1967. He is also commemorated on August 18 (the uncovering of his relics).

Constantinople, 1821-1839, Ottoman Empire, Greek War of Independence
Ottoman, Greek War of Independence, 1821-1839; Icon of the Mother of God, œTinos, Commemorated on January 30; Hieromartyr Theodore of Atchara, Commemorated on February 17; Venerable Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Lavra of Mt Athos, Commemorated on May 7 ; St Arsenius of Paros, Commemorated on January 31;

Constantinople, 1823, Tinos Icon, Tinos Island, Cyclades, MOG appeared 1821, dig in field to find my icon, build a church there
Greece, 1823, Tinos Icon, Tinos Island, Cyclades (Agean Sea), MOG appeared to man 1821, dig in field to find my icon, build a church there, with my help, divine light, found bricks not for oven, Pelagia's dreams 1822, to uncover the church, be obedient, Mr. Kangades, excavations, church discovered, money ran out, 1823 Matsos found annunciation icon, holiest treasurers, Healing and deliverance; Tinos Island (Agean Sea); Icon of the Mother of God Tinos, Commemorated January 30 ; highly-venerated icon of the Annunciation was discovered in the ruins of the ancient church of Saint John the Baptist on January 30, 1823. elderly man, Michael Polyzoes, had a dream shortly before the Feast of the Annunciation in 1821, in which the Mother of God appeared to him in shining white garments. She instructed him to dig in the field of Anthony Doxaras outside the city, where he would find her icon. She also told him to build a church on the site, since there had once been one there. The Queen of Heaven also promised to help him accomplish these tasks. awakening, he crossed himself and tried to go back to sleep, believing that his dream had been a temptation from the devil. Before falling asleep, Michael saw the Theotokos once again, and noticed that the room was flooded by a gentle white light. Her head was surrounded by divine light, and her face displayed ineffable grace and sweetness. Speaking to the old man she said, “Why are you afraid? Your fear comes from unbelief. Listen! I am Panagia (the all-holy one). I want you to dig in the field of Anthony Doxaras where my icon is buried. I ask you to do this as a favor, old man. You will build a church there and I will help you.” Then she disappeared. next morning, Michael went into the village and told the priest what had happened to him during the night. priest also thought the dream was a temptation, so he urged Michael to come for Confession and Communion. The old man, however, was not convinced that his visions were mere dreams or demonic temptations. He told the inhabitants of the village of his experience. Some laughed at him, but only two believed his words. two men went with him to the field one night and dug in many places, but they found nothing. Then they dug in another place and found the remains of an old wall. Finding nothing but bricks, they had to give up their search in the morning so the Turks would not find out what they were doing. Doxaras, the owner of the field, found the bricks and tried to use them to build an oven. The mortar would not adhere to the bricks, so whenever they tried to build one section of the oven, it collapsed. The workers were convinced that God was showing them that the bricks from the ancient church were not to be used for an oven. Pelagia (July 23), an eighty-year-old nun, had several dreams in June of 1822 in which the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to her. Saint Pelagia was living in the women’s monastery of the Dormition on Mt. Kechrovounios, about an hour’s journey from the village. She had lived in the monastery from a young age, and was known for her great virtue and piety. Theotokos appeared to her in a dream and ordered her to go to Stamatelos Kangades (a prominent man of the village), and tell him to uncover the church of Saint John the Baptist in the field of Anthony Doxaras. by the vision, Pelagia attributed the dream to her imagination, and she began to pray. She was afraid to tell anyone about her dream, but the following week, the Theotokos appeared to her again, reminding her of her instructions. Still, the nun remained silent and told no one of her vision. The Theotokos appeared a third time, this time with a severe manner. She chastised the nun for her unbelief, saying, “Go and do as I told you. Be obedient.” Pelagia woke up in fear and trembling. As she opened her eyes, she saw the same mysterious Woman she had seen while asleep. With a great effort she asked, “Who are you, Lady? Why are you angry with me, and why do you order me to do these things?” Woman raised her hand and said, “Proclaim, O earth, glad tidings of great joy” (Megalynarion of the Ninth Ode of the Canon for Matins of the Annunciation). at last, the aged nun joyfully exclaimed, “Praise, O heavens, the glory of God” (The next line of the Megalynarion). once, she informed the Abbess of her visions, and she also told Stamatelos Kangades. Mr. Kangades, who had been designated by the Theotokos to carry out the excavation of the church, informed Bishop Gabriel of these events. The bishop had already heard of the dream of Michael Polyzoes, and realized that the account of the nun Pelagia agreed with his vision. Bishop Gabriel wrote to all the churches on the island of Tinos, urging them to cooperate in finding the church and the icon. began in September of 1822 under the supervision of Mr. Kangades. The foundations of the church of Saint John, destroyed by Arabs in 1200, were uncovered. An old well was found near the church, but not the holy icon. The money ran out, and so the effort was abandoned. again the Mother of God appeared to Saint Pelagia, urging that the excavations continue. Bishop Gabriel sent out an appeal for donations to build a new church on the foundations of the old church of Saint John the Baptist. The new church was built, and was dedicated to Saint John and to the Life-Giving Fountain. January 30, 1823 workers were leveling the ground inside the church in preparation for laying a new stone floor. About noon one of the workers, Emmanuel Matsos, struck a piece of wood with his pickaxe, splitting it down the middle. He looked at one piece of the board and saw that it was burned on one side, while the other side showed traces of paint. As he brushed off the dirt with his hand, he saw that it was an icon. Joining the two pieces of wood together, he crossed himself and venerated the icon. called the other workers, who also came and venerated the icon. When the icon was cleaned, it was shown to be an icon of the Annunciation. The split was in the middle of the icon, between the Theotokos and the Archangel Gabriel. Neither figure was damaged, and this was regarded as a miracle. same day, the icon was given to Bishop Gabriel, who kissed it and cried out, “Great art Thou, O Lord, and wondrous are Thy works.” the finding of the icon, the inabitants of Tinos were filled with zeal to build a magnificent church in honor of the Theotokos. People offered their money and their own labor to help build the church of the Evangelistria (She who received the Good News). new church was completed in 1823, and was consecrated by Bishop Gabriel. Saint Pelagia of Tinos fell asleep in the Lord on April 28, 1834. Her Feast Day, however, is on July 23. Tinos Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos continues to be venerated as one of Greece’s holiest treasures. Innumerable miracles of healing and deliverance from danger have not ceased since the time the icon was found.

Constantinople, 1823, Saint Pelagia of Tinos, her dream found Tinos Icon
Greece, 1823, Saint Pelagia of Tinos Tinos Island (Agean Sea); Icon of the Mother of God "Tinos", Commemorated January 30 ; The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on March 25;

Constantinople, 1838-1841, Demetrius tNew oSilven, Bulgaria, great story Moslem patience before martyr's execution
Bulgaria, 1838-1841, Demetrius tNew oSliven, Bulgaria (Tonsus River 1), after 8 years parents prayers answered, 2 sons born, first Stephen then Demetrius, both pious, D no school but memorized church, parents died, stephen tWallacia, Demetrius stayed in home, it collapsed, Moslems take land, D becomes servant to one, that family tried convert him, our religion given us by Lord Jesus Christ, yours by mere man, thrown out of house, became baker, D proclaimed Orthodoxy while selling bread iMarketplace, telling deficiencies of Islam, Moslems plan revenge, new Judge came tSilven, D chosen Baker for him by district Governor, knowing Judge would offer good stuff for conversion and hew would refuse, D sarcastic "Oh Sure", Moslems thought serious reply, began wrap turban, D threw turban tGround and ran, they could not catch him, D hid in village 3 days w/o food water, D told story to his bishop, bishop encouraged him with gold coin and wooden cross, D changed coin gave half to poor, turned himself in, back tSilven hands tied behind him, met Orthodox, said forgive me brother, giving self up for glory of our Faith, thrown into prison, asked for brother Stephen visit, refused but S learned tried to free, Judge (kadi) ordered D to him while J dining with officials, D says he never promised become Moslem, no intension, sorry for you taking my irony for truth, called Mohammed false prophet and followers sons oSatan, Kadi tells D he would be put to death if no conversion, back tPrison 3Days, refused conversion again, ordered execution, other christians heard and brought Stephen to him, D told priest Stephen he was afraid he would not endure, S urged him remain strong bear witness tChrist, D remained in prison whole year, tortures continued, no help from anyone, early in year Moslems shouted Kadi execute D, Kadi gives another chance to convert, refused again, Stephen brings confession and communion, Jan 30 1841 beheading, first strike failed, Christians soaked cloths in his blood, Stephen collected blood soaked earth, relics unburied all night, Moslems believe bodies those who insult Mohammed should not burried in earth, So thrown river next day, sufficient bribe Kadi released body burial in monastery garden ; Sliven; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated January 30 ; Holy New Martyr Demetrius was born on October 9, 1818 in Sliven, Bulgaria. parents had no children for the first eight years of their marriage. prayers to God were answered, and their sons Stephen and Demetrius were born. was the younger son, and was brought up in a pious manner. did not go to school, but he attended church frequently and memorized many prayers and services. their parents died, Stephen left home and went to Wallachia. remained in the family home, which soon collapsed because of its age. Moslems used this excuse to seize the surrounding property, and Demetrius became a servant to one of them. family tried to convert him to their religion, but Demetrius resisted such attempts. “Our Orthodox Christian religion was given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said, “while yours was given to you by Mohammed, a mere man.” threw Demetrius out of the house when they heard this, and he later became a baker. while selling his bread in the marketplace, Demetrius proclaimed the Orthodox Faith and pointed out the deficiencies of Islam. this outraged the Moslems, and they began to plan their revenge. new kadi (district judge) came to Sliven, and Demetrius was chosen to prepare the food. local beys (district governor) chose him because they knew he had insulted Islam. kadi offered him tobacco and liquor, but Demetrius said that he did not smoke or drink. he tried to leave, the kadi said, “Let me make you a Moslem. You see what a good life we have. If you convert, I will tell your master to give you his daughter in marriage, and half of his riches.” answered sarcastically, “Oh, sure.” this for a serious reply, one of the Moslems began wrapping cloth around the young man’s head in the form of a turban. threw the turban to the ground and ran from the house. of the Hagarenes chased him, but were unable to catch him. three days he hid in the village of Ichera without food or water. went to a bishop and told him his story. The bishop encouraged him to remain Orthodox, then sent him away with a gold coin and a wooden cross. the coin for change, Demetrius gave half the money to the poor. he went up to a Moslem guard and said that he was the one they were seeking. was escorted back to Sliven with his hands tied behind him. he met an Orthodox Christian Demetrius said, “Forgive me, brethren. I gave myself up to these ungodly people for the glory of our Faith.” Saint Demetrius was thrown into prison, he asked for his brother the priest Stephen to visit him. request was refused, but Father Stephen learned that Demetrius was incarcerated and tried to have him freed. kadi ordered Demetrius to be brought to him while he was dining with other officials. kadi asked Demetrius if he was willing to accept Islam. ’s holy martyr informed him that he had never promised to become a Moslem, and he had no intention of doing so. “If you took my irony for truth, I am sorry for you.” went on to call Mohammed a false prophet, and his followers sons of Satan. kadi told Demetrius that if he did not become a Moslem, he would be put to death. he sent him back to prison for three days to consider this. When he was brought before the kadi again, Demetrius refused to convert. Then he was ordered to be executed. the other Christians heard of Demetrius’s fearless confession of faith and his impending death, they brought Father Stephen to him. told the priest he was afraid that he would not be able to endure the tortures. Stephen urged him to remain strong and bear witness to Christ. Demetrius remained in prison for a whole year. tortures continued, and no one was able to help him. the beginning of the year, many Moslems gathered and shouted for the kadi to execute Demetrius. he summoned Demetrius before him. The fearless martyr remained unshaken in his resolve, and mocked their faith. the last time Demetrius was offered the choice of converting to Islam or being put to death. said he would remain a Christian whatever they did to him. Stephen came to the prison to hear the saint’s confession and give him Communion. the morning of January 30, 1841 Demetrius was brought to the place of execution. asked forgiveness of the Christians he met, entreating them to pray for him. Then they ordered him to kneel on the ground for beheading. first stroke did not sever his head, and he remained motionless. With the second stroke, the martyr’s head fell to the ground. Christians soaked cloths in his blood, and Father Stephen collected some of the blood-soaked earth in a box. holy relics remained unburied all night. kadi ordered the body to be thrown into the river the next day, Moslems believe that the bodies of those who insult Mohammed should not be received by the earth. a sufficient bribe had been paid, the kadi released the body for burial in the garden of the monastery. Demetrius now lives in the heavenly Kingdom, glorifying most holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit throughout all ages.

Constantinople, 1839-1861, Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdulmecid I, rise of nationalism, non-muslim integration failed
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1839-1861, Abdulmecid I ; I (25 April 1823-25 June 1861), was the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and succeeded his father Mahmud II on 2 July 1839.[4] reign was notable for the rise of nationalist movements within the empire's territories. Abdulmejid wanted to encourage Ottomanism among secessionist subject nations and stop rising nationalist movements within the empire, but despite new laws and reforms to integrate non-Muslims and non-Turks more thoroughly into Ottoman society, his efforts failed. tried to forge alliances with the major powers of Western Europe, namely the United Kingdom and France, who fought alongside the Ottoman Empire in the Crimean War against Russia. In the following Congress of Paris on 30 March 1856, the Ottoman Empire was officially included among the European family of nations. biggest achievement was the announcement and application of the Tanzimat (reorganization) reforms which were prepared by his father and effectively started the modernization of the Ottoman Empire in 1839. For this achievement, one of the Imperial anthems of the Ottoman Empire, the March of Abdulmejid, was named after him. Icon of the Mother of God the œDeliveress"Â, Commemorated on October 17 ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; St Theophan the Recluse the Bishop of Tambov, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Antipas of Valaam Monastery, Commemorated on January 10; Icon of the Mother of God of the Akathist, Commemorated on January 12; St Demetrius, the New Martyr of Sliven, Commemorated on January 30; St Hilarion the Georgian, the New, Commemorated on February 14; St Callinicus of Cernica the Bishop of Rimnicului in Romania, Commemorated on April 11;

Constantinople, 1861-1876, Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdulaziz, admired West, Composer, Deposed and Killed
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1861-1876, Abdulaziz of the Ottoman Empire; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; St Euthymius (Takaishvili), Commemorated on January 3; St Theophan the Recluse the Bishop of Tambov, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Antipas of Valaam Monastery, Commemorated on January 10; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18; St Euthymius the Confessor, Commemorated on January 20 ;

Constantinople, 1872-1923, Alexei oTeklati, inner warfare, invisible instructor, if die now, who will, God will
Georgia, 1872-1923, Hieromonk Alexei oTeklati, fSenaki d oSamegrelo, a16 father died &blessed care family, same year 1868 tJerusalem & tConstantinople visit pious rich merchant uncle, there facinated wTrade, resolved be merchant, but discovered God's will by praying wForerunner's icon, first great inner warfare, love for mother v force calling spiritual life, How can I fulfill my father's will, invisible instructor answered, if you die now, who will, God will, so die to world, entrust everything to God and he will, life transformed, confined tRoom, scriptures, strict fasting, uncle thought return Georgia, brothers distressed but Mom approved him a monk, tTeklati Woman's Monastery, began Fool FChrist, strict ascetic life, village tVillage, caring for TB cholera, serious illnesses, burying corpses, preaching intensly, example fMany incl mother, sister, brother, become monks, Brother tJerusalem several yrs then priest aMartvili, later great schema, A tMt Athos then tKiev Caves, then back tGeorgia, 1885 tGelati m, study&writing, 1886 reassighned tKhobi m, ordained deacon, 1888 hiermonk, 1890 ill & returned Teklati wMother, sisters, healed by God 1991 &Cell Menji (archangels hill) near birthplace, gathered disciples, celebrated divine services, received alms but gave 2/3, prayed wLife size cross on his back like Simon tCyrene, close to tCommunity because spiritual warmth radiated, bad health f1915 till death 1923, friends stayed in his cell 40 days with incorrupt body; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18; Alexi (Shushania) was born September 23, 1852, in the village of Noqalaqevi, in the Senaki district of Samegrelo, to a pious Christian couple. father died in 1868, after giving the sixteen-year-old future hieromonk his blessing to care for the family. the same year that his father died, Alexi journeyed to Jerusalem on a pilgrimage, from there to Constantinople to visit his uncle, Islam Shushania, a successful merchant and a clever and pious man. this visit, Alexi became fascinated with the trade industry and resolved to become a merchant as well. he would soon discover that God’s will was different from his own. day Alexi borrowed a small icon of Saint John the Baptist from his uncle, confined himself to his room, and there began to experience great inner warfare. was moved by a profound love for his mother, sisters, brothers, and friends, at the same time he sensed an invisible force calling him to the spiritual life. several agonizing hours, Alexi finally asked himself, “How can I fulfill my father’s will? He entrusted me with the responsibility to look after the family—how can I reconcile this with God’s calling?” his great wonder, an invisible instructor answered him, saying, “If you die now, who will take over your responsibilities?” answer was clear. “God will!” Alexi proclaimed. And he heard the voice again. “So die to the world, entrust everything to God, and He will minister to your family.” encounter transformed Alexi’s life. he confined himself to his room for months, reading the Holy Scriptures, and keeping a strict fast. the radical change in Alexi’s way of life, his uncle thought it would be best for them to leave Constantinople and return to Georgia. was not long before Alexi’s loved ones realized he had made a covenant with God, that he would enter the monastic life. brothers and sisters were distressed upon hearing the news, but his mother gave thanks to God and blessed her son. the age of twenty Alexi moved to Teklati Women’s Monastery. began to lead a strict ascetic life went from village to village, caring for those ill with tuberculosis, cholera, other serious illnesses, burying the corpses of the homeless. years passed, and many became convinced that Alexi was a fool-for-Christ. preached the Word of God with intensity, and his life was an example for many. preaching inspired his mother, Elene, his younger sister Salome, and his brother Besarion to join him in the monastic life. he was tonsured a monk, Besarion made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and remained there for several years. of his exemplary service to the Lord, he was ordained a priest at Martvili Monastery. he was tonsured into the great schema. also spent time on Mt. Athos. returning from the Holy Mountain, he made a pilgrimage to the Kiev Caves Monastery, then returned to Georgia to continue his labors. the year 1885 Saint Alexi moved to Gelati Monastery, where he continued to study and produced several original works. 1886 he was reassigned to Khobi Monastery ordained a deacon by Bishop Grigol, in 1888 he was ordained a hieromonk. years later, in 1890, he became ill and returned to be with his mother and sisters at Teklati Monastery. to God’s will his health was restored, and in 1891 Alexi fashioned a cell for himself in the mountainous village of Menji (also called “Archangels’ Hill”), near the place where he was born. gathered his disciples and undertook a stricter ascetic life. Fr. ’s health was so improved that he was able to celebrate the divine services again. holy father would receive alms, but he distributed most of what was given to him. divided the alms in three parts: first he put aside for his personal needs, second, for the church and its guests, the third, for the poor and infirm. Alexi kept a life-size cross in his cell, and when he prayed he supported the cross on his back, since it reminded him of the position in which Saint Simon of Cyrene carried the Holy Cross to Christ’s Crucifixion on Golgotha. spite of his strict ascetic life, Hieromonk Alexi was remarkably close to the people in his community and was loved by many for the spiritual warmth that he radiated. many years the strict ascetic life finally took its toll on Fr. Alexi’s health. dismissed his pupils and spent the last years of his earthly life (from around the year 1915) with his cousins, the schemanuns Akepsima and Pasto. Alexi reposed January 18, 1923, frail from a long and labor-filled life in the service of the Lord. forty days after his death, the schemanuns Akepsima and Pasto remained in his cell for fear that the Communist government’s henchmen would destroy his humble dwelling. they buried Fr. Alexi’s body at Teklati, themselves began to labor at the Archangels’ Monastery. the blessing of Metropolitan Eprem of Batumi-hemokmedi and Chqondidi, Schemanun Akepsima and Abbess Pasto Fr. Alexi’s incorrupt relics from Teklati to the Archangels’ Monastery buried them near the east wall of the temple on January 8, 1960. Alexi was canonized on September 18, 1995.

Constantinople, 1876-1876, Ottoman Empire, Sultan Murad V, admired West, so deposed, mentally ill
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1876-1876, Murad V ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; St Euthymius (Takaishvili), Commemorated on January 3; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18; St Euthymius the Confessor, Commemorated on January 20 ;

Constantinople, 1876-1909, Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdul Hamid II, rebellions, period of decline
Ottoman Empire Sultan, 1876-1909, Abdul Hamid II ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; St Euthymius (Takaishvili), Commemorated on January 3; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18; St Euthymius the Confessor, Commemorated on January 20 ; Icon of the Mother of God Weeping œTikhvin on Mt Athos, Commemorated on February 17; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27;

Constantinople, 1900-1922, 20th Century Folder, Ottoman E. Ends in WWI

Constantinople, 1909-1918, Ottoman Empire, Sultan Mehmed V
Sultan Ottoman Empire, 1909-1918, Mehmed V ; St Nectarius Kephalas the Metropolitan of Pentapolis, Commemorated on November 9; Venerable Hieromonk Alexei of Teklati, Commemorated on January 18; St Euthymius the Confessor, Commemorated on January 20 ; Repose of St Raphael the Bishop of Brooklyn, Commemorated on February 27; GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE 1915-1923, Commemorated April 24; MARTYRS OF ARMENIA, 24 April 1915 ;

Constantinople, 1915-1923, Armenian Genocide, by Turkey, series of massacres and starvation 1.5M by Ottomans
Armenia, 1915-1923, Armenian Genocide, by Turkey, series of massacres and starvation 1.5M by Ottomans; 1915 Armenian Genocide; Genocide Remembrance Day or Armenian Genocide Memorial Day[5] is a public holiday in Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh and is observed by the Armenian diaspora on 24 April.[5][6] is held annually to commemorate the victims of the Armenian genocide of 1915. It was a series of massacres and starvation of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottomans. Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, hundreds of thousands of people walk to the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial to lay flowers at the eternal flame. Genocide memorial in Saint Sarkis Cathedral, Tehran date 24 April commemorates the deportation of Armenian intellectuals on 24 April 1915 from Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). The first commemoration, organised by a group of Armenian Genocide survivors, was held in Istanbul in 1919 at the local St. Trinity Armenian church.[7] Many prominent figures in the Armenian community participated in the commemoration. Following its initial commemoration in 1919, the date became the annual day of remembrance for the Armenian Genocide.[7] 9 April 1975, the US House of Representatives passed Joint Resolution 148 designating 24 April as a National Day of Remembrance of Man's Inhumanity to Man.[8] The Resolution commemorated the victims of genocide, especially those of Armenian ancestry who succumbed to the genocide perpetrated in 1915, The resolution however failed to pass in the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee due to President Gerald R. Ford’s strong opposition to what he saw as a threat to the country's strategic alliance with Turkey.[9] 1988, Soviet Armenia formally adopted 24 April as a public day of commemoration.[10]: 215  1997 in the US, the California State Assembly declared 24 April as a Day of Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915–1923, and for the victims of the Sumgait Pogroms of 1988 and Baku Riots of 1990.[10]: 232  2007, Argentina passed National Law 26199, designating 24 April as "Day of Action for Tolerance and Respect among Peoples", in which Armenian Argentines are excused from work.[4][11] 2015, the House of Commons of Canada unanimously passed Motion M-587, proposed by Brad Butt, marking April to be Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month, and designating 24 April as Armenian Genocide Memorial Day.[12] 2019, France marked its first national commemoration of the genocide,[13][14] with French president Emmanuel Macron declaring 24 April "a national day of remembrance of the Armenian genocide", fulfilling a campaign pledge. 2021, US President Joe Biden recognized the genocide on 24 April, fulfilling a campaign pledge.[15][16] GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE 1915-1923, Commemorated April 24; Remembrance Day is observed by Armenians in dispersed communities around the world on April 24. It is held annually to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide from 1915 to 1923. date 24 April commemorates the Armenian notables deported from the Ottoman capital in 1915, of hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders, most of whom would be executed, which was a precursor to the ensuing events. this date is specifically a remembrance of the Armenian genocide, it is clear from the collects that it is intended here to cover all genocides: the killing or harming of people simply because of which ethnic, religious, or national group to which they happen to belong. — more at Wikipedia

Constantinople, 1920, Wilsonian Armenia, unimplemented, but went to Trabzon and Pontus
Wilsonian Armenia; Armenia refers to the unimplemented boundary configuration of the First Republic of Armenia in the Treaty of Sèvres, as drawn by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson's Department of State.[1] Treaty of Sèvres was a peace treaty that had been drafted and signed between the Western Allied Powers and the defeated government of the Ottoman Empire in August 1920, but it was never ratified and was subsequently superseded by the Treaty of Lausanne. proposed boundaries of Wilsonian Armenia incorporated portions of the Ottoman vilayets of Erzurum, Bitlis, Van, and Trabzon, which had Armenian populations of varying sizes. inclusion of portions of Trabzon Vilayet was intended to provide the First Republic of Armenia with an outlet to the Black Sea at the port of Trabzon. proposed Republic of Pontus was discussed at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, but the Greek government of Eleftherios Venizelos feared the precarious position of such a state, so a portion of it was instead included in the proposed state of Wilsonian Armenia. United States Senate rejected the mandate for Armenia in 1920. outbreak of the Turkish War of Independence led to the Ottoman Empire not ratifying the Treaty of Sèvres. in that year, the Turkish–Armenian War broke out. Armenia was defeated and signed the Treaty of Alexandropol on November 2, renouncing its territorial integrity under the Sèvres Treaty. The Treaty of Kars was negotiated between Soviet Russia and Turkey following the annexation of the Democratic Republic of Armenia by the Soviet Army in December 2, 1920, and signed between the Soviet government in Armenia on October 23, 1921. latter was never accepted, either by the overthrown Armenian government nor later by the Republic of Armenia. The government of Soviet Russia separately negotiated a similar border between what it considered its territory of Armenia and Turkey in the Treaty of Moscow (1921). Great Armenia; Kingdom of Armenia was bordered by Caucasian Albania in the east, by Caucasian Iberia in the north, by the Roman Empire in the west and by Parthia, later succeeded by Sassanid Empire. The border between Caucasian Iberia and Kingdom of Armenia was Kur river, which was also the border between Caucasian Albania and Kingdom of Armenia. Hieromartyr Gregory the Bishop of Greater Armenia, Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Armenia; GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE 1915-1923, Commemorated April 24;

Constantinople, 1999 & 1398-1426, New Martyr Ephriam, Nea Makri, Attica, k by Turks, story revealed miraculously 500yrs later
Greece, 1398-1426 & 1999, New Martyr Ephriam, Nea Makri, Attica (Corinth and Athens area), , priest men's monastery story revealed miraculously 500 yrs later, withstood extreme Turk tortures, left for dead, tortured again, 500 yrs later 1999 Mother Woman's monastery asked God to show her a martyred saint from the Men's monastery and he did. God told her where to dig. Ephriam told her his story.; Nea Makri; New Martyr Ephraim, Commemorated on January 3; holy New Martyr and wonderworker Ephraim was born in Greece on September 14, 1384. His father died when the saint was young, and his pious mother was left to care for seven children by herself. Ephraim reached the age of fourteen, the all-good God directed his steps to a monastery on the mountain of Amoman near Nea Makri in Attica. monastery was dedicated to the Annunciation and also to Saint Paraskevḗ. he took on his shoulders the Cross of Christ, which all His followers must bear (Matt. 16:24). enflamed with love for God, Saint Ephraim eagerly placed himself under the monastic discipline. For nearly twenty-seven years he imitated the life of the great Fathers and ascetics of the desert. divine zeal, he followed Christ and turned away from the attractions of this world. By the grace of God, he purified himself from soul-destroying passions and became an abode of the All-Holy Spirit. was also found worthy to receive the grace of the priesthood, and served at the altar with great reverence and compunction. September 14, 1425, the barbarous Turks launched an invasion by sea, destroying the monastery and and looting the surrounding area. Ephraim was one of the victims of their frenzied hatred. Many of the monks had been tortured and beheaded, but Saint Ephraim remained calm. infuriated the Turks, so they imprisoned him in order to torture him and force him to deny Christ. locked him in a small cell without food or water, and they beat him every day, hoping to convince him to become a Moslem. several months, he endured horrible torments. the Turks realized that the saint remained faithful to Christ, they decided to put him to death. On Tuesday May 5, 1426, they led him from his cell. They turned him upside down and tied him to a mulberry tree, then they beat him and mocked him. “Where is your God,” they asked, “and why doesn’t he help you?” The saint did not lose courage, but prayed, “O God, do not listen to the words of these men, but may Thy will be done as Thou hast ordained.” barbarians pulled the saint’s beard and tortured him until his strength ebbed. His blood flowed, and his clothes were in tatters. His body was almost naked and covered with many wounds. Still the Hagarenes were not satisfied, but wished to torture him even more. One of them took a flaming stick and plunged it violently into the saint’s navel. His screams were heart-rending, so great was his pain. The blood flowed from his stomach, but the Turks did not stop. They repeated the same painful torments many times. His body writhed, and all his limbs were convulsed. Soon, the saint grew too weak to speak, so he prayed silently asking God to forgive his sins. Blood and saliva ran from his mouth, and the ground was soaked with his blood. Then he lapsed into unconsciousness. that he had died, the Turks cut the ropes which bound him to the tree, and the saint’s body fell to the ground. Their rage was still not diminished, so they continued to kick and beat him. After a while, the saint opened his eyes and prayed, “Lord, I give up my spirit to Thee.” About nine o’clock in the morning, the martyr’s soul was separated from his body. things remained forgotten for nearly 500 years, hidden in the depths of silence and oblivion until January 3, 1950. By then a women’s monastery had sprung up on the site of the old monastery. Makaria (+ April 23, 1999) was wandering through the ruins of the monastery, thinking of the martyrs whose bones had been scattered over that ground, and whose blood had watered the tree of Orthodoxy. She realized that this was a holy place, and she prayed that God would permit her to behold one of the Fathers who had lived there. some time, she seemed to sense an inner voice telling her to dig in a certain spot. She indicated the place to a workman whom she had hired to make repairs at the old monastery. man was unwilling to dig there, for he wanted to dig somewhere else. Because the man was so insistent, Mother Makaria let him go where he wished. She prayed that the man would not be able to dig there, and so he struck rock. Although he tried to dig in three or four places, he met with the same results. Finally, he agreed to dig where the abbess had first indicated. the ruins of an old cell, he cleared away the rubble and began to dig in an angry manner. abbess told him to slow down, for she did not want him to damage the body that she expected to find there. He mocked her because she expected to find the relics of a saint. he reached the depth of six feet, however, he unearthed the head of the man of God. that moment an ineffable fragrance filled the air. The workman turned pale and was unable to speak. Mother Makaria told him to go and leave her there by herself. She knelt and reverently kissed the body. she cleared away more earth, she saw the sleeves of the saint’s rasson. The cloth was thick and appeared to have been woven on the loom of an earlier time. She uncovered the rest of the body and began to remove the bones, which appeared to be those of a martyr. Makaria was still in that holy place when evening fell, so she read the service of Vespers. she heard footsteps coming from the grave, moving across the courtyard toward the door of the church. The footsteps were strong and steady, like those of a man of strong character. The nun was afraid to turn around and look, but then she heard a voice say, “How long are you going to leave me here?” saw a tall monk with small, round eyes, whose beard reached his chest. In his left hand was a bright light, and he gave a blessing with his right hand. Mother Makaria was filled with joy and her fear disappeared. “Forgive me,” she said, “I will take care of you tomorrow as soon as God makes the day dawn.” The saint disappeared, and the abbess continued to read Vespers. the morning after Matins, Mother Makaria cleaned the bones and placed them in a niche in the altar area of the church, lighting a candle before them. That night Saint Ephraim appeared to her in a dream. He thanked her for caring for his relics, then he said, “My name is Saint Ephraim.” From his own lips, she heard the story of his life and martyrdom. Saint Ephraim glorified God in his life and by his death, the Lord granted him the grace of working miracles. who venerate his holy relics with faith and love have been healed of all kinds of illnesses and infirmities, and he is quick to answer the prayers of those who call upon him. Ephraim is also commemorated on May 5. New Martyr Ephraim, Commemorated on May 5;