Witnesses for Christ: Orthodox Christian Neomartyrs of the Ottoman Period, 1437-1860

Words cannot describe how i feel about this book, very beautifuly written i have cried countless times and has made my hatred towards the muslims even greater. It just proves that none is greater than the orthodox faith. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in the orthodox faith or to anyone else wich may open there eyes to what orthodox faith is.

A work that began with the love of his students. He gave them a chance to be part of a work that will continue to have an effect upon its readers for many generations to come. Father Vaporis dedication to the Modern Day Saints is ledgendary. May God Bless you Father Vaporis for all Eternity! A former student and spiritual son, Stratos Paraskevaides paras72812@aol.com

A marvelous view of the witness of many Eastern Christians who have proven their loyalty to Our Saving Lordover the past few hundred years, in the face of Islamic terrorism. An eye opener for the modern Christian.

A good resource book.

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."(Mark 8:34-38)This book details (often in graphic detail), the lives and sufferings of hundreds of Christian Martyrs who lived under the yoke of the Ottoman muslims during the period 1437 - 1860. The book begins with an introduction detailing the circumstances under which these martyrs found themselves, and how they bravely endured all pain and suffering for the love of Christ. It then goes on to detail the lives of hundreds of individual martyrs who suffered as Christians. At times, the sufferings and tortures are described in very graphic detail, and this only seeks to reinforce how powerful the grace of the Lord is working through His servants - grace that enables them to endure such pain and suffering with such joy.This is a very good book, which shows what true faith and discipleship are all about. It is especially relevant in today's world, where as Christian's we live far more safe and comfortable lives than did these martyrs who suffered under islam. It is not however a book that you would read and be unable to put down. On the contrary, it is a book that you need to put down from time to time owing to the often graphic descriptions of suffering, but it certainly makes you reflect on what true love for Christ is.

This is a very moving book and is relevant now more than ever since the word and concept "martyr" is being hijacked by Islamic extremists who are the very opposite of what a true martyr stands for. Most of my review is simply from the jacket but there are several books that I have noted which you will want to read if this issue holds any importance for your life."This study is the culmination of two decades of research on Orthodox Christian Neomartyrs under the Ottoman Turks. Father Vaporis has compiled the life stories of almost two hundred faithful men and women who were by and large of humble station, possessing little or no formal education, yet gave their lives, or witnessed, for Christ...It also contains a number of accounts of Muslims who converted to Orthodox Christianity and suffered a martyr's death because they refused to return to Islam.This, however, is not simply a collection of hagiographic stories. Here, the lives are retold in a fluid, easy-to-read manner, and set in an historical context to make them more accessible to the reader. Also of great interest are the many translations of the dialogue between the Neomartyrs and the Ottoman judges (kadi), during the three interrogations that were mandated by Islamic law. These records provide fascinating information on mutual perceptions and the clash between Orthodox and Islamic cultures, illustrating how the Ottomans became decreasingly tolerant of Orthodox Christians as their empire declined.While of great historical interest, this collection of accounts of Orthodox Neomartyrs, who had to choose between conversion to Islam and painful torture and death, will no doubt inspire many readers in their own daily lives. Includes 16 full-color icon plates.Rev. Dr. Nomikos Michael Vaporis was an historian of Byzantine history and Modern Greek Hellenism, as well as the former Dean of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, and Director of Holy Cross Orthodox Press."What produced these heroes of the faith? A religion that has been militant from its earliest times. Islam has not been a friend to non-Muslims in general and Christianity in particular. Several books by Bat Ye'or detail this millennia-long genocide. "The Decline of Eastern Christianity Under Islam: From Jihad to Dhimmitude: Seventh-Twentieth Century" and "The Dhimmi: Jews & Christians Under Islam" as well as the collection of essays "Islam and Dhimmitude: Where Civilizations Collide" detail in depth the tragedy that has beset eastern Christianity as a result of the so-called prophet's religion. It produced true Christian martyrs- witnesses to the love of Christ God- not the suicide murderers of modern times. I do not believe that Islam must be violent, but its history in this regard is shameful and disturbing.Other books of interest may include: Pearl of Great Price, the Life and Martyrdom of Mother Maria Skobtsova 1891-1945 by Sergei Hackel; Exploring the Inner Universe, by Roman Braga. The Prophet and the Messiah is a useful and accurate overview of Christianity and Islam for beginners. May these times pass.

Every Christian should be aware of these new martyrs. Things are not going well for Christians these days, most especially the persecuted Orthodox Christians, as is traditional. And yes, it can happen here in the USA and it can happen to you if you stand up for your faith. This book provides a good look at demonic-animal-like behavior perpetrated on the faithful but rather than reading it in fear it is a book that strengthens my faith and helps me prepare my soul for every trial. It also made me deeply love our brothers and sisters who with great strength and joy martyred for Christ. They await us in Paradise and are resting without pain, sorrow, or suffering...

Great book. It cannot always be taken in a literal manner, but very revealing of the life, dilemmas and fortitude of those living under the degrading and deliberately uncertain condition of dhimmi/sharia relationship.