Alexander the Dervish

New Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica, the former dervish, beheaded at Smyrna.

Alexander was born in Thessalonica and as a young man embraced Islam, becoming a wandering dervish. Repenting, he returned to Christ and travelled to Smyrna, where he openly declared his faith before the judge.

He was beheaded in 1794.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Alexander the Dervish is commemorated on May 26. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on June 8 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on May 26

• 

  Karpos the Apostle

  Apostle, Κάρπος

  Holy Apostle Carpus.

  Name days: Karpos

• Alphaeus the Apostle

  Apostle, Αλφαίος ο Απόστολος

  Holy Apostle Alphaeus, father of the Apostles James and Matthew.

  Name days: Alfaios, Alphaeus

• Synesios of Karpasia

  Hierarch, Συνέσιος Καρπασίας

  Saint Synesios, Bishop of Karpasia in Cyprus, wonderworker.

  Name days: Synesios, Synesius

• Averkios the Martyr

  Martyr, Αβέρκιος

  Holy Martyr Averkios, brother of the Martyr Helen and child of the Apostle Alphaeus.

• Helen the Martyr

  Holy Woman, Ελένη η Μάρτυς

  Holy Martyr Helen, daughter of the Apostle Alphaeus, stoned for her faith.

• George the New Martyr of Bulgaria

  Martyr, Γεώργιος ο Νεομάρτυς εκ Βουλγαρίας

  New Martyr George of Sofia, burned for refusing Islam.