Procopius of Varna was a Bulgarian martyr who lived in the early 19th century. Born into a poor Christian family near Varna, he sought monastic life at the Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos. After struggling with the monastic lifestyle, he moved to Asia Minor, where he briefly converted to Islam. However, he later experienced deep remorse for his apostasy and chose to return to his Christian faith, ultimately facing execution for his decision on June 25, 1810.
Life and martyrdom
After leaving Mount Athos, Procopius settled in Smyrna. Driven by regret over his past choices, he initially embraced Islam, even undergoing circumcision to signify his conversion. This decision was short-lived, as he soon repented and sought to reclaim his Christian identity. Despite attempts to persuade him to flee, he remained steadfast in his faith. He was eventually executed by decapitation, a fate carried out by a former Christian who agreed to perform the killing.
Veneration and legacy
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates him as a great martyr on June 25. He is considered a patron saint of Varna, where a church dedicated to him was consecrated in 2021. His memory is also honored through a street named after him in Varna, and he is celebrated in liturgical services and written accounts of Bulgarian saints.