Martyr
Holy Martyr John the Builder
February 26 Old CalendarMarch 11 New Calendar
Life
This saint was born in Galata in Constantinople. By trade he was a builder, a mason (Kalfa means builder). Because of his fervent confession of the Christian faith he gave offense to the Turks, and they began to compel him to convert to Islam. "I will not renounce my beloved Jesus Christ," John answered boldly, "in Him I believe, to Him I minister, Him I confess." After severe tortures the Turks beheaded him on February 26, 1575, in Constantinople. He suffered honorably for his beloved Christ and departed to the courts of the Lord.
From the Prologue from Ochrid by St. Nikolai Velimirovich, February 26. Translated by Marcian Sakarya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Also commemorated on February 26
The full reading for February 26 includes the hymn of praise, a reflection, a contemplation and a homily.
Open February 26 in the reader