Holy New Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica

Life

This martyr of Christ was born in Thessalonica in the time of the great Turkish tyranny over that city. As a young man he was deceived by the Turks and converted to Islam. At first his conscience did not trouble him for such an act, and he went on the Hajj to Mecca with other Muslim pilgrims and became a dervish. But as a dervish in Thessalonica he began to repent bitterly. In his repentance he came to the thought that he could wash from himself the terrible sin of apostasy from Christ only by his own blood. When therefore he repented and resolved upon martyrdom, he proclaimed himself before the Turks as a Christian. The Turks cast him into prison and then subjected him to other tortures. But Alexander only cried out: "As a Christian I was born, as a Christian I wish to die." At last the Turks condemned him to death, at which the repentant Alexander greatly rejoiced, knowing thereby that his sins were forgiven and that God accepted his sacrifice. He was beheaded in Smyrna in the year 1794 and was glorified in the Church both heavenly and earthly.