Constantine the Hagarene

Holy New Martyr Constantine the Hagarene was born of Muslim parents in the village of Psilometopo in Lesbos and died hanged at Constantinople on 2 June 1819, after receiving Christian baptism.

With his mother and brothers he came to Magnesia and then to Smyrna, where he helped his brothers in a fruit trade, carrying to the houses of the notables what they bought from the shop. Going often to the Metropolis of Smyrna, he heard and learned the Greek language and the Christian faith. He went to the Holy Mountain, but nobody would receive him. Then Patriarch Gregory V (commemorated on 10 April), exiled there, at the Great Lavra, after testing him, baptized him at Kavsokalyvia with the name Constantine.

In the Skete of the Forerunner he venerated the relics of the new martyrs and was seized by the longing to follow their deed. After a time of fasting and prayer with a spiritual father, he decided to go to Magnesia to baptize his sister. On the Fathers' advice, however, he sailed from Athos and landed at Kydonies. There he was recognized by a Turk and led to the agha. He confessed Christ, revealed his origin, and was imprisoned and cruelly tortured. Interrogated again, he made the sign of the Cross before them, showing the firmness of his faith. They imprisoned and tortured him once more, and when the ruler saw that all his efforts were in vain, he sent him to Constantinople. After new tortures he was hanged on 2 June 1819. A manuscript service for him is found at the Hermitage of Saint John the Theologian in Kavsokalyvia and at Saint Panteleimon Monastery on the Holy Mountain.