Theodore of Samothrace

Holy New Martyr Theodore of Samothrace was one of five Christians, four from the island of Samothrace and one from Cyprus, who suffered at Makri, near Alexandroupolis, on 6 April 1835. The five are Manuel, Theodore, George, the younger George (all from Samothrace) and Michael of Cyprus; synaxarion lists also mention other martyrs of Samothrace who suffered in the same place.

During the Revolution of 1821 the island of Samothrace was taken by Turks who came from Abydos and Tenedos, who killed the Christian inhabitants, while the women and children were distributed through the East and Egypt. The four saints were seized together with Michael, who was afraid and accepted Islam, and were sold to Turks in various places. Manuel was sold in Egypt, learned Arabic and studied the Quran. After the liberation of Greece the five returned to Samothrace and lived a Christian life.

At that time a harsh master, Abdurrahman, was appointed kadi of Makri, merciless and zealous for the religion of Mohammed. He seized the martyrs, imprisoned and tortured them. Despite flattery and terrible tortures they confessed their faith in Christ. The kadi wrote to Constantinople to the secretary of Sultan Mahmud, and the decision that came was one of condemnation. First was the elder Michael, cut to pieces with swords. Saints Theodore and George were hung and so received the crown. Manuel was thrown onto iron hooks and pinned in the form of a cross; the young George was thrown likewise, but the nails bent and none pierced his body. Then they threw him onto iron spikes and trampled him to make them pierce. So Manuel soon gave his soul into the hands of God, while George remained pinned for twenty-⁠four hours in unbearable pain; seeing that he was still alive, the Turks shot him in the head. The Christians received permission to bury the martyrs' relics at the place of their martyrdom. Their commemoration is on 6 April.