September 23: Saint Neomartys John of Agarina, the Vrachorite celebratestranslated

Today, September 23, the Orthodox Church celebrates the wonderful event of the capture of the Holy Forerunner by the barren Elizabeth and honors the memory of the holy brothers Xanthippi and Polyxenes, the martyrs Peter and Anthony and Saint John the Neomartyr of Agarina. Also, for the first time after his inscription in the Hagiological Deltas by the Holy and Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the memory of Saint Tycho of the Saint, spiritual father of Saint Paisios, is being honored.

Lambros Skontzos, Theologian, writes

Saint Neomartys Ioannis of Agarina the Vrachorite Among the choir of the New Martyrs of our Church there are also some who are characterized as: "from the Agarines". These are many Turkish Muslims who, during the Turkish occupation, embraced Christianity and deserved martyrdom.

One of them is the holy neo-martyr John of Agarina, the Vrachorite, Turkish by origin, son of the famous Sheikh of Konitsa and a dervish, i.e. religious leader and teacher of the region. He was born around 1780 in Konitsa and his name was Hassan. His rich and noble father made sure that he…