New Martyr 16th century

New Martyr John the New of Epirus

16th century (martyred at Constantinople, 1526)

Also known as John Kulikos · John of Ioannina

Born in Ioannina in Epirus and orphaned young, he kept a trade stall in Constantinople and was martyred for refusing to deny the Orthodox faith.

Feast Day

April 18

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Commemorated as

The Holy New Martyr John the New of Ioannina

Life

John, called "the New" to distinguish him from earlier saints of the same name, was born in Ioannina in the region of Epirus and was orphaned young. He moved to Constantinople, then under Ottoman rule, where he kept a small trade stall as a tailor in the city bazaar. He was put to death for refusing to deny the Orthodox faith, and is commemorated as a new martyr on April 18.

According to the synaxarion, John openly reproached Christians who had apostatized under pressure and encouraged those who remained steadfast. Jealous rivals falsely accused him of having promised to renounce Christ; when he confessed his faith before the judge, he was condemned, and after being led to a fire he was beheaded with the sword.

Timeline 3 moments Read Hide

early 16th century Birth and orphaning in Epirus John was born in Ioannina in the region of Epirus and was orphaned at the death of his parents. The tradition relates that he then went to Constantinople.
early 16th century Trade in Constantinople In Constantinople, then under Ottoman rule, John set up a small stall in the city bazaar and worked at the trade of a tailor.
1526 Confession and martyrdom Falsely accused of having promised to embrace Islam, John publicly confessed himself a Christian. After enduring imprisonment and beatings, he was led to a fire; going boldly toward the flames, he was pulled out and beheaded with the sword, and his body was cast into the fire.

Contributions & Legacy

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Life and Martyrdom

John belongs to the new martyrs, the Orthodox Christians who suffered death for their faith during the centuries of Ottoman rule over the Christian East. Born in Ioannina in Epirus and left an orphan, he made his living in Constantinople as a tailor, keeping a stall in the bazaar.

The synaxarion relates that John spoke openly against those who had renounced Christ under pressure and strengthened the faithful. Rivals among the merchants falsely charged that he had agreed to deny his faith. Brought before the judge, John steadfastly confessed himself a Christian and would not be moved by persuasion. After several days of hunger, thirst, and beating, he was condemned to be burned; he went boldly toward the flames, whereupon his executioners drew him out and beheaded him with the sword, casting his head and body into the fire. The tradition adds that Christians afterward recovered his remains. He suffered in 1526.

Sources: OCA Synaxarion (oca.org), Lives of the Saints