Saint Procopius was born in Varna to devout Christian parents. At the age of twenty, he resolved to dedicate his life to monasticism. He withdrew to Mount Athos, where he initially lived as a wandering ascetic. Later, under the spiritual guidance of Elder Dionysios, he embraced a life of strict asceticism and seclusion. After receiving the monastic tonsure, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to fasting and prayer.
However, before long, he fell to the temptations of the devil, who persistently urged him to abandon monastic life and return to the world.
Leaving Mount Athos, Procopius traveled to Smyrna. Overwhelmed by inner turmoil and spiritual confusion, he made the decision to renounce Christ and convert to Islam. Following the circumcision ceremony, he came to realize the gravity of his mistake. Filled with sincere repentance, he sought out a spiritual father, longing to be reconciled with the Christian faith and ultimately bear witness to Christ through martyrdom. Recognizing the sincerity and steadfastness of his repentance, his spiritual father did not discourage him.
Procopius then appeared before the authorities and openly confessed his Christian faith, rejecting Islam as a false religion. Unable to persuade him to change his mind, the judge sentenced him to death by beheading.
On June 25, 1810, Saint Procopius surrendered his soul to the Kingdom of Heaven, purified through repentance and having triumphed over every trial.
