Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. Psalm 40:11
Chrysostomos (1922)
“Treat him as he deserves!”
When Kemalist forces overran the ancient Christian city of Smyrna (now Izmir in Turkey) in 1922, Metropolitan Chrysostomos feared for the safety of the Greek Orthodox population. He was unconvinced by leaflets issued by the invading troops, which said, “Mustafa Kemal has given strict orders to the soldiers to harm no one. Those who disobey these orders will be punished by death. Let the people be assured of safety.”
Chrysostomos’ grave misgivings led him, on 7 September 1922, to write to the Greek Premier urging him to intervene on behalf of the Christian population. He warned that they were “descending into a Hell from which no power will be able to raise them up and save them … destined as we are … for sacrifice and martyrdom…”
Two days after writing this letter, Chrysostomos went to see the Turkish commander of the occupation forces, General Noureddin. When he extended his hand, the General spat, declaring he would not touch his filthy hand. He then told Chrysostomos that he had been sentenced to death, and ordered him out of his sight. As Chrysostomos walked out of the building, the General appeared on the balcony and shouted to a waiting angry mob, “Treat him as he deserves!” They dragged him to a barber’s shop, tore out his beard, gouged out his eyes with knives, and cut off his ears, nose and hands. All this occurred while French marines stood by watching.
O Father, my hope
O Son, my refuge
O Holy Spirit, my protection,
Holy Trinity, glory to thee.
St Joannikios, for the service of Compline, Eastern Orthodox Church