18th century
Saint Theocharis of Neapolis
New martyr from Neapolis (Nevşehir) in Cappadocia, martyred in 1740 for refusing to convert to Islam.
Biography
In 1740, when a decree ordered the Christian boys of Cappadocia to be gathered into camps, the orphan Theocharis was among them. The judge of Neapolis (present-day Nevşehir) noticed him, took a liking to him, and brought him home to tend his animals.
Impressed by his piety and good looks, the judge proposed that he become his son-in-law, on condition that he first convert to Islam. Theocharis boldly refused, saying he had been born a Christian and could not deny the faith of his fathers.
After harsh torture he was led outside the city, stoned, and hanged at noon on 20 August 1740. In 1923 his relics were brought to Thessaloniki, to the Church of Saint Catherine, where they remain today.