Wishing to weaken the Ottoman Empire and establish a pro-Russian independent Greek state, Russian emissaries of Catherine the Great had been sent to Mani in the mid-1760s to make a pact with the strongest local military leaders, and at the same time notable Greeks approached various Russian agents, discussing plans for the liberation of Greece. At the famous assembly, which was held in Kalamata, Metropolitan Ananias of Lacedaemon gave his blessing for the revolt.
Metropolitan Ananias, after this, consulted with the captains and armatoloi of the Peloponnese and Mani, as well as with the presidents and chiefs of the provinces of the three islands of Hydra, Spetses and Psari, for the liberation of their homeland. With the care and expense of the Metropolitan two mills were established in Dimitsana.
For these things Metropolitan Ananias was betrayed to the Mora Valesi, being accused of conspiring with the Russians against the Turks. Many sought armed resistance to help the Metropolitan, but he suggested that he take the fall alone so the Turks would not think there was an organized movement. After partaking of Holy Communion, he gave himself over to the soldiers, who arrested him. Metropolitan Ananias knelt, and with incredible willingness, he told the executioner to strike him. Blood bounced from his decapitated head and stained the west door of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Demetrios in Mystras. This took place on April 15, 1764.
The Turks dragged the sacred body of the Hieromartyr to the middle of the street where it was left for three days unburied. As soon as the Turks left, the Christians took the body and buried it with honor. Meanwhile, the decapitated head of the Saint was brought to the Vizier.
Metropolitan Ananias, after this, consulted with the captains and armatoloi of the Peloponnese and Mani, as well as with the presidents and chiefs of the provinces of the three islands of Hydra, Spetses and Psari, for the liberation of their homeland. With the care and expense of the Metropolitan two mills were established in Dimitsana.
For these things Metropolitan Ananias was betrayed to the Mora Valesi, being accused of conspiring with the Russians against the Turks. Many sought armed resistance to help the Metropolitan, but he suggested that he take the fall alone so the Turks would not think there was an organized movement. After partaking of Holy Communion, he gave himself over to the soldiers, who arrested him. Metropolitan Ananias knelt, and with incredible willingness, he told the executioner to strike him. Blood bounced from his decapitated head and stained the west door of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Demetrios in Mystras. This took place on April 15, 1764.
The Turks dragged the sacred body of the Hieromartyr to the middle of the street where it was left for three days unburied. As soon as the Turks left, the Christians took the body and buried it with honor. Meanwhile, the decapitated head of the Saint was brought to the Vizier.
