Today, the Church celebrates the memory of the Great Martyr Kyriaki, the Hieromartyr Peregrinus and the martyrs Germanus and Hesychius, of Durres of Albania.
Saint Kyriaki was born in Nicomedia to Greek parents Dorotheus and Eusebia after their constant prayers to God because they were childless. Since she was born on Sunday, she was given the name Kyriaki.
During the persecution of Diocletian, her parents martyred for their firm belief in Jesus Christ. Saint Kyriaki was sent to Caesar Maximian and from there to the ruler of Bithynia Ilarion (Hilarius), who told her that she is too beautiful to be tortured and promised her wealth and marriage to one of Diocletian’s relatives if she worshiped the pagan gods. Saint Kyriaki responded appropriately and with courage. He, after having ravaged her, ordered his soldiers to decapitate her.
With courage and dignity, as well as with constant prayer, Great Martyr Kyriaki rendered her soul to God before the sword was lowered on her head and delivered her spirit to Jesus Christ, whom she loved with devotion all her life. With her vigor and stability, she has led others to endure martyrdom, confessing to the true God.
Even today, heroic women plead Saint Kyriaki to pray to Trinity God, so that they can remain firm and courageous in the struggle of everyday life and stay in the path of love of the Risen Christ in spite of any obstacles.
Source: church of Cyprus