New Martyr Nicodemus of Elbasan and Mt. Athos (1722)
Commemorated on July 11
Saint Nicodemus was Christians who embraced Islam at an early
age under the Turks. He later repented and, after doing penance, resolved to
return to the place of their apostasy and accept martyrdom. He presented himself
to the Turks, proclaimed his Christian faith, and was beheaded according to
Islamic law.
Saint Nicodemus not only embraced Islam, but forced his family to do the same.
One of his sons fled to the Holy Mountain and became a monk. The father pursued
him there, but was moved to repentance by the holiness of the place and became a
monk himself. After three years of penance, he resolved to return home to
Albania and embrace his martyrdom.