Ahmed the Calfa

New Martyr Ahmed the Calfa of Constantinople, a convert from Islam.

The new martyr Ahmed was a Turkish official in Constantinople in the seventeenth century. Tradition relates that, attending the Divine Liturgy, he saw a light descend upon the Christians, and was baptised in secret. When he openly confessed Christ before his fellow officials he was beheaded in 1682.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Ahmed the Calfa is commemorated on December 24. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on January 6 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on December 24

• 

  Eugenia of Rome

  Martyr, Ευγενία

  Holy Virgin-martyr Eugenia of Rome, on the Eve of the Nativity.

  Name days: Eugenia, Evgenia, Jenny

• Philip the Martyr

  Martyr, Φίλιππος

  Holy Martyr Philip, father of Saint Eugenia.

• Basilla the Martyr

  Holy Woman, Βασίλα

  Holy Virgin Martyr Basilla, companion of Saint Eugenia.

• Protas and Hyacinth

  Martyr, Πρωτάς και Υάκινθος

  Holy Martyrs Protas and Hyacinth, servants of Saint Eugenia.

• Nicholas the Monk

  Venerable, Νικόλαος ο από στρατιωτών

  Venerable Nicholas the former soldier, monk of Bulgaria.

• Antiochus the Monk

  Venerable, Αντίοχος

  Venerable Antiochus of the Lavra of Saint Sabas, author of the Pandects.