User:Worldtrekka/sandbox

PAPAGHEORGHE - is relatively rare family name of vlachian origin now encountered with this spelling in different parts of Romania. Few of it's genealogical branches have direct known connections. The probable known origin of the strongest branch is situated in the region of Ohrid, today in the Republic of Macedonia. As family legend goes, in the late 1300's, two vlachian brothers of Greek ascendence - Iorgos (Georgoios) and Grigoris - lived as Christian Orthodox monks in one of the monasteries around lake Ohrid. As an episcopal city, Ohrid was an important cultural center. Almost all churches were built by the Byzantines and by the Bulgarians, the rest of them date back to the short time of Serbian rule during the late Middle Ages. In medieval times, the area has been the stage of many conquests and battles, peaceful periods being scarce. In 1395 the Ottomans under Bayezid I captured the city which became the seat of the newly established Sanjak of Ohrid. Both brothers had to flee the ottoman conquerors and from that time on, fate parted their paths forever. Grigoris apparently traveled towards Albania in an attempt to reach Greece and Georgios went to Bulgaria, in an area near Sofia. Soon after, he got married to a beautiful vlachian girl and started a numerous family.