John the New Martyr of Konitsa

New Martyr John of Konitsa, convert from Islam, martyred at Vrachori.

St. John was born a Muslim at Konitsa in Epirus, the son of a dervish, and served in the army of Ali Pasha. Coming to believe in Christ, he was baptized and lived as a farmer near Vrachori, the present Agrinio, where he was recognized, arrested and, refusing to return to Islam, beheaded in 1814.

He is commemorated on September 23.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, John the New Martyr of Konitsa is commemorated on September 23. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on October 6 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on September 23

• 

  Conception of John the Baptist

  Great Feast, Σύλληψη Ιωάννου

  Conception of the Holy Forerunner John the Baptist.

• Xanthippe and Polyxene

  Holy Woman, Ξανθίππη και Πολυξένη

  Venerable Xanthippe and Polyxene, sisters of Spain, disciples of the Apostles.

  Name days: Xanthippe, Xanthippi, Polyxene, Polyxeni, Polyxenia, Polixeni, Xanthi

• Rais of Alexandria

  Holy Woman, Ραΐς

  Holy Virgin Martyr Rais of Alexandria.

  Name days: Rais, Irais

• Nicholas the Grocer of Karpenisi

  Martyr, Νικόλαος ο Παντοπώλης

  New Martyr Nicholas the grocer of Karpenisi, martyred in Constantinople.

• Andrew, John, Peter and Antony of Syracuse

  Martyr, Ανδρέας, Ιωάννης, Πέτρος και Αντώνιος

  Holy Martyrs Andrew and John, and John's sons Peter and Antony, of Syracuse, martyred in Africa.