A moving story, which testifies to the power of faith and the miracles of Saint Andrew, emerges from the blog sophia-ntrekou.grbased on the study of theologian Theodoros Riginiotis entitled “christian Miracles for muslims”. This story came to light in 1912 in karpasia of Cyprus and was recorded in the newspaper “Voice of Cyprus”.
Years passed, until an unexpected turn turned everything upside down. According to the story, due to her intelligence and faith, Maria became a Turkish dervish who was ultimately her lost son. The miracle of Saint Andrew, as the believers testify, mother and son reunited, overcoming religious, cultural and time barriers.
The power of prayer and love becomes a point of reference again, offering people hope and faith. Saint Andrew, whose memory is celebrated on November 30, continues to be a source of miracles for the faithful.
“One day,when pantelis had gone out,the Turks captured him and secretly brought him to Constantinople. Against his will, he was taught Turkish and became a dervish. It is indeed clear that he was a dervish, but in reality he was an orthodox Christian and he hid an icon of the Virgin Mary in his clothes, which he worshiped regularly.
The unhappy mother, who did not no where her son was and whether he was alive or dead, cried incomparably day and night. She knelt down and prayed fervently to God and all the Saints to show her where her son was, if he was alive or dead so she could find him.
One night while she was on her knees and crying incessantly begging God and the Saints, she fell asleep in the company of pain. As she slept, she saw in her dream the highly respected Apostle Andreas, who said to her:
- “Woman, why are you crying inexplicably”?
And she answers him: ”I lost my son twenty years ago, I have visited many cities and villages, but I have not heard anywhere whether he is alive or dead.”
And then the Saint, through the grace of God, says to her: – “Listen to me as I guide you to find your son. Go down on such a day and such a month in an Austrian ship, which goes to Cyprus and you will find there your son, who is alive and well. Return to the same ship. Mark the date you will arrive at the port of Mersina and locate the ship. You will pray for the Captain and tell him all that has happened.’
Actually, when the old woman came down to the port on the day the saint told her, the ship was ready for her journey.The ship left for Cyprus. As soon as it appeared on its banks and in the background loomed the Church of the Apostle Andrew. When the Cypriots saw him on board, they made the cross saying: Behold, the Church of the Apostle Andrew.
After a while, a dervish (her son) comes to him, who had the same desire, ie to face his parents and get rid of this hateful life. So the dervish, educated and wearing a Turkish sari and a long beard, says to the old woman:
– why, madam, are you crying so incomparably? what do you have
The old woman, seeing and hearing a Turk, says to him:
– Master, as you stand so much and want to know my pains, listen. Twenty years ago my son went missing while going to school and as then nothing has been heard of his whereabouts. however, after many prayers I made to God and the saints, the Apostle Andreas graced me to go to Cyprus where his Church is to worship. Then, the economy of God and the energy of the Saints, the dervish turned to find his parents. So he says to her:
– Listen carefully, let me tell you something about what you want and learn. Tell me, is your husband even alive, what is his name? His old man says:
– It’s been a while since my husband died and his name was Dimitrios.
– Do you have another son?
– Yes, yes.
– Tell me, what’s your name?
– Maria, she tells him.
– And your son’s name,where is it lost?
– Pantelis,the old woman tells him.
The dervish, when he heard the name of his father, his mother, his brother, his own, was very moved, but he still succeeded in the last and most crucial proof, which he had for himself, is that was his mark. burn from birth, olive below the cheek.
– Sir, I will ask you something else. Do you remember if your son had any marks on him? The old woman then moved as she realized that the devil knew something about her son and said to him: – Actually, he had an olive under his cheek.
The dervish lifts with a trembling hand his great beard, he rises and the olive tree is seen, in the same place where it was by her son Pantelis.
The old woman, she saw, fainted, fell down. Immediately the dervish and the other passengers poured water on the old woman and carried her away. Then he sighed deeply and cried wildly:
– Oh my God and Apostle andreas, this is my lost son whom I have been looking for for twenty years.
Then he hugged his grandmother and they kissed for a minute, accompanied by tears of joy and emotion.How much joy they had, expressed in praise to God and the Holy one. After the baptism of Pantelis, the three went to the church of Ap. Andrew, whom they worshiped with tears of joy, repentance and emotion.
The whole of Cyprus rejoiced because of the miracle of Ap. Andrew”.
What are the key themes of faith and miracles explored in Theodoros Riginiotis’ study “Christian Miracles for muslims”?
Interview: The Power of faith and Miracles – A Conversation with Theodoros Riginiotis
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr.Theodoros Riginiotis, and thank you for joining us today. Your study, “Christian Miracles for Muslims,” brings to light a deeply moving story that originally emerged from Karpasia, Cyprus, in 1912. Can you give us a brief overview of this incredible account?
Theodoros Riginiotis: Thank you for having me.The story revolves around a mother,Maria,who is heartbroken after her son,Pantelis,is captured and taken to Constantinople by the Turks. In a surprising twist, he becomes a Turkish dervish, yet remains secretly devoted to his Christian faith. The real miracle unfolds when, through her unwavering faith and prayers, Maria is eventually reunited with him despite the daunting cultural and religious barriers that separate them.
Time.news Editor: Its captivating how this story crosses such boundaries. It highlights not only the power of prayer but also the resilience of familial love. What do you think makes this story resonate so deeply with people, irrespective of their faith?
Theodoros Riginiotis: I believe the story resonates on several levels. First and foremost, it touches on universal themes of love, loss, and the desperate hope that comes with a mother’s prayers. People from diverse backgrounds can relate to the emotional turmoil she experiences, whether they are Christian, Muslim, or anything in between.The reconciliation of their faiths through love and divine intervention is a powerful narrative.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, the themes of faith and perseverance shine through. In your research, you point out that Saint Andrew plays a pivotal role in this story. can you explain why he is important to this narrative and to believers?
Theodoros Riginiotis: Saint Andrew is a powerful figure in christianity, celebrated for his role as a messenger of faith and protector of those in need.In this story, his miraculous intervention serves as a source of hope for Maria, who seeks guidance in her darkest hours. It emphasizes how faith can transcend adversity and inspire believers to hold on even when circumstances seem bleak. His feast day, celebrated on November 30, is a time for many to seek his intercession.
Time.news Editor: The emotional imagery you evoke through Maria’s prayers and dreams is compelling. You mention she even fell asleep during her heartfelt supplications. What does this suggest about the nature of faith and divine intervention?
Theodoros Riginiotis: That moment signifies the deep connection between human vulnerability and divine grace. When she reached the end of her strength and fell asleep, it was in that vulnerable state that she received a vision from Saint andrew—a metaphorical signal that help often comes when we least expect it. It reinforces the idea that faith is not just about constant activity or visible results; sometimes, it also involves surrendering to the divine will.
Time.news Editor: It’s remarkable how such stories can inspire hope. As you reflect on this particular narrative, how do you see the relationship between Christianity and Islam in the context of miracles and shared faith experiences?
Theodoros Riginiotis: This story exemplifies the complex interplay between different religious traditions. While Christianity and Islam have distinct beliefs, miracles often serve as bridges that connect human experiences—especially regarding faith, love, and redemption.The narrative invites dialog and reflection on our common humanity,urging us to look beyond labels and recognize the profound spiritual truths that unite us.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful message, Dr. Riginiotis. As we conclude, what do you hope readers take away from your study of this miracle?
Theodoros Riginiotis: I hope they realize that faith, in its many forms, can indeed move mountains. This account is a testament to the idea that miracles are not confined within the borders of religion; they dwell in the heart of love and happen when we least expect it. Encouraging people to believe in the power of their prayers and to seek compassionate connections across different faiths can lead to transformative experiences.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Riginiotis, for sharing your insights into this incredible story. Your work serves as a reminder of the hope and healing that faith can bring, crossing boundaries and uniting us all.
Theodoros Riginiotis: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this transformative story. May it inspire many to find hope in their own lives.