A new video created with the help of artificial intelligence brings to life the voice of Saint Agathangelos of Florina and sheds light on the journey of an ordinary man who dared to stand up to violence and defend his faith to the point of death. Saint Agathangelos came from Florina and, from an early age, was raised with a deep faith in Christ and the Church. He came from a humble family and followed the modest trade of a shoemaker. As he recounts in the video’s narration, in the simplicity and routine of his daily work he felt God’s presence in his life very strongly.
At that time, he was living in Monastir, today’s city of Skopje, during years that were particularly harsh for the region’s Christian population. After Ramadan and during the celebration of Bayram, incidents of forced conversions were reported, with many Christians being coerced into changing their faith. This reality deeply shook him. As he says in the video, he could not accept that remaining silent in the face of such practices could be God’s will.
He therefore made a decision that would change his life. Without weapons, without companions, and without any form of protection, he set out alone on the journey to Constantinople. His only provisions, as he says, were prayer and the cross he wore on his chest. His aim was to appear before the authorities and ask that an order be issued to put an end to the forced Islamization of Christians.
In Constantinople, according to his account, he managed to address the rulers of the time and ask for official protection for Christians. His request was granted, and a firman was issued ordering an end to violent practices against them. This development was considered especially significant for the local Christian communities.
His return, however, was not met with recognition. On the contrary, it provoked the anger of local Turks, who accused him of insulting their faith and exposing those in power. He was arrested and subjected to torture. Despite the physical abuse he endured, he refused to renounce his faith in Christ, declaring that without Him “there is no life.”
During the night of his imprisonment, however, he felt spiritual strength and inner peace. He heard within him the voice of the Lord saying, “Do not be afraid; I am with you.” When he was led to the place of execution, he asked only to be allowed to pray. He made the sign of the cross and whispered the prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, receive my spirit.”
His execution took place on February 17, 1727. According to tradition, he faced death without fear, believing that he was passing “from death to life.” Since then, the figure of Saint Agathangelos has been associated with the confession of faith and resistance in the face of violence.
His story endures as an example of a man who, starting from a simple life, dared to raise his voice against injustice and to seek protection for persecuted Christians—ultimately paying for that choice with his life.
