The [[martyr]] John suffered a psychological sickness. One time, when he was found in an unconscious state, some Turks performed over him the rite of conversion to their religion. After he came to his senses he saw the seal of circumcision and a white turban on his head. He agonized over the evil that had befallen him and angrily tore the symbol of Islam from his head. He [[Repentance|repented ]] with tears before God, bitterly bewailing the indignity that had occurred, and continued to live as a Christian.

The Once the Turks observed how he had recanted and again resumed his life as a Christian, they furiously rushed at John and savagely beat him, then they threw him into prison as being an apostate. Neither lectures, beatings, nor threats bent his will, as John repeatedly asserted:

:"I belive believe with all my soul and heart in my Lord [[Jesus Christ]] and I confess him as true [[God]] Who will judge all the world, both the living and the dead. I despise that religion of yours, and am prepared to endure whatever tortures you subject me to for the love of Christ."

When they heard these words and perceived the staunchness of his opinion, they angrily seized John, buffeting and shoving him about on the way to the judge. Once there, they testified how John had become a Moslem and now had changed his mind. The judge gave the order and they beat hum him unmercifully. As they realized that even with a flogging he was not in the least dispirited, he passed down the final sentence - burning at the stake. Therefore, after suffering many torments they burned the martyr alive on the island of [[w:Kos|Kôs]] on [[April 8]], 1669.

* Leonidas J. Papadopulos, Georgia Lizardos, et. al. (Transl.). ''April 8: New Martyr John the Nafkliros (The "Ship-Owner").'' In: '''New Martyrs of the Turkish Yoke.''' STSt. Nectarios Press, 1985. pp.144-145.*{{el icon}} ''[http://www.synaxarion.gr/gr/sid/2599/sxsaintinfo.aspx Ὁ Ἅγιος Ἰωάννης ὁ Νεομάρτυρας ὁ ναύκληρος].'' 8 Απριλίου. ΜΕΓΑΣ ΣΥΝΑΞΑΡΙΣΤΗΣ.* {{el icon}} [http://www.saint.gr/210/saint.aspx Ορθόδοξος Συναξαριστής :: Άγιος Ιωάννης ο Ναύκληρος]