Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-03
FOR CHRISTIAN FAITH
SUFFERINGS OF PEOPLE IN
THESSALONICA.
Native Macedonian Portrays Condi-
tons in His Country-Murder
of His Mother.

Rev. s. ]. Shumkoff, DID,, minister of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, with q
parish In Thessalonica, Macedonia, graphic
ally portrayed the sufferings of his people
in sermon at Gorsuch M. E. Church yes
terday morning. DIR. Shumkoff is a native
OF Thessalonica, and became Christian
through the preaching of American Metho-
dist missionaries about fifteen years ago.
He Is on a tour of the principal cities of
the United States to acquaint Americans
with the conditions that prevail in his coun-
try. DIR. Shumkoff spoke of his conversion
to Christianity and of his preparing for the
ministry
The most touching portion of his sermon
was the recital of the persecution of his
mother, who sacrificed her life for the Chris
tian religion.
Il recall with great sorrow the day she
was taken away" said Mr.. Shumkoff II
was sitting In my home in Thessalonica
when in marched Turk exhibiting the
sharp point of his drawn sword. He asked
me was l a Christian to which I replied
yes. He then demanded that 1 go with
him into the street that he might behead
me- demurred, showing him my naturali-
zation papers emblazoned with the eagle
and the Stars and Stripes of America. At
this he profusely begged my pardon, saying
he had no wish to kill Americans, but
that he was death on Christians of the en-
p1re. He then asked If my mother was q
Christian and an American ALSO to which 1
replied that she was the former but not the
latter.
With this his eyes infamed with venge-
full wrath, and despite my efforts to protect
my dear mother he succeeded in ruthlessly
dragging her out into the market place.
There he and other Turks, who had been
attracted by, the scene, asked her would she
renounce her religion for her life. Reply
ing that she would not, the cruel Turk be-
headed her.
Suffer for Their Faith.
mo Christian nation is suffering more for
their faith than Macedonia" he continued.
They are subjected to cruelties, sufferings,
humiliations, and bereavements, because
they profess the name of Jesus Christ the
Savior. Children ranging from one to
seven years of age have been carried into
the market place in Thessalonica, and other
cities of Macedonia, and shot to death.
The Turks do not work. but go about kill
ing the Christians and plundering their
homes"
After his sermon Dr. Shumkoff descended
from the pulpit to the organ and played
and sang in his native tongue the Mace
DOMAIN national anthem and doxology. The
hymn breathes note; of sadness and suf-
fering, but coses with a ringing peal Of
hopefulness, and the familiar "Alleluia
strain could be discerncd as he sang.
Country and People.
Rev. Mr.. Shumkoff interspersed his re-
marks with references to the Macedonian
country and its people. He said it was the
garden spot Of the world. He said there
are no saloons In Macedonia, and that the.
ues of chewing tobacco is not known there.
The air is dry and balmy. He declared
that on account of their simple customs the
Macedonians live longer than other peo-
pies, one man in every hundred reaching
100 years of age, as compared to one in a
thousand and one in two thousand to in
habitants of America, England and Ger
many. To visit Macedonia, he said would
carry one back to ancient times Of the
early Christian era with the iocks of sheep
and the shepherds. The people are print
tive in customs, and know not of the
steam and electric cars, the telegraph,
telephone or other modern conveniences.
On entering ones home, the visitor takes
off his Shoes instead of his hat, as il done
in America. The people, he continued 1--we.
principally on vegetables, eating meat only
once or twice year. The women of
Macedonia are shamefully treated, very nt-
tie respect being shown them.