I found this volume by N.M. Vaporis, 'Witnesses for Christ: Orthodox Christian Neomartyrs of the Ottoman Period 1437-1860' (SVS Press, 2000) a wonderful read. It brings together all the biographical materials on those known to have suffered for the faith under the Turkish yoke, and presents the accounts in chronological order. It is also very nicely illustrated by colour icons of some of the new martyrs in the centre of the book. I particularly liked the icon of St Kosmas Aitolos dating from 1829 with illustrations from his life and martyrdom.

Some of the most interesting accounts are filled out with details of the interrogations of Orthodox prisoners by Ottoman magistrates. You get a real insight into the worldview of both parties and it makes the book much more than just a collection of hagiographical stories. It is also very comprehensive as it covers the stories of martyrs from many different countries and even of Muslim converts who had to pay the ultimate price for their apostacy.

I found the book a most inspiring and interesting read and also a good corrective to the sort of historical revisionism we see today.

Brigid

We knew Father Vaporis, may the Lord rest his soul and may his memory be eternal, and he never mentioned this one to us...I will try to get it. Thanks for the review--one is always looking for an easy read in Orthodoxy (too many theological dissertations out there)!

--Alice

Actually, I have had this book for a number of years now and have read it several times through. The introduction by itself is very lengthy yet enlightening as to what the life of a Christian was like during this period, as well as the system under the Ottoman Turks and its development during the course of the Empire.

I strongly recommend it to those that want to get not only spiritual edification from it, but also expand their knowledge as to what life was like for Christians during this period of time.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

How is its narrative? Is it a monograph, is it a collection of short narratives, or does it tell one story involving the struggle of the martyrs?

It handles a very interesting subject matter. I've read books that tangent it; I may put it on my wish list.

Terry

Terry,

After the introduction, it is broken down by century, with each saint having their life and martyrdom given in a brief and concise manner, with some being only a few paragraphs while others being a few pages. It makes for excellent reading and it was one book that when I started it engrossed me for hours.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+