Saint Saint George of Sofia

Saint George the New of Sofia is one of the nine martyrs of Sofia for the Orthodox faith. He is commemorated on March 26. His hagiography is preserved in a Greek manuscript. George was born in Sofia in 1407. He was introduced to and raised in the Christian faith by his parents. He held a military rank, possibly in Ottoman service, and received high distinction for his good service. He was 30 years old when he could no longer endure the blasphemies against Christ uttered by an Ottoman armorer to whom he had given his bow for repair. The Ottomans seized him, first attempting to persuade him, then threatening him, and finally torturing him severely. Seeing his steadfastness in the faith, they sentenced him to death, first stabbing him with a knife and then burning him at the stake. This took place on March 26, 1437, in the Janissary capital of Adrianople.