Saint new hieromartyr Onuphrius was born in the village of Gabrovo, in the Tarnovo diocese, to a family of wealthy Christian parents. At baptism, he was named Matfey. In his youth, after punishment from his parents, he expressed a desire to embrace the Mohammedan faith, but was saved from this intention. Later, having withdrawn to the holy Mount Athos, he took monastic vows under the name Manassia and became a hierodeacon, excelling in virtues and humility.
As time passed, he began to realize his previous renunciation of Christ and, wishing to atone for it, decided to confess his faith before the Turks, preparing for martyrdom. After receiving counsel from his spiritual fathers, he continued to strive in prayers and fasting until he came to the decision of martyrdom. After being tonsured into the great angelic schema with the name Onuphrius, he went to the island of Chios with the monk Gregory.
On Chios, after a seven-day fast and prayer, he resolved to confess his faith on the day of the Lord's Passion. One night, heavenly archangels appeared to him, calling him to the King. Onuphrius, receiving comfort from the vision, felt fear again, but, humbling himself, continued to pray. He was ready for suffering and, after preparation, went to the mekheme, where he confessed himself a Christian, renouncing the Mohammedan faith.
The judges, outraged by his boldness, sentenced him to death. Onuphrius was beheaded on January 4, 1818, at the age of 32. His body was thrown into the sea, but the holy relics remained intact, and he received the martyr's crown for confessing Christ.
