On this day, the Church commemorates the lives of three remarkable saints: Martyr Pelagia, Saint Hilary of the desert, the Wonderworker, and Saint Athanasius of Corinth.
Martyr Pelagia was born in Tarsus, Cilicia, and later lived in Rome. She received a divine vision of an angel inviting her to embrace Christianity and be baptized. Following this revelation, she visited the Bishop of Rome, narrated her vision, and requested to be taught the Christian faith and baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity.
Upon learning of her conversion, her mother became deeply distressed and tearfully urged Pelagia to return to the idolatry of their ancestors. Despite her mother’s pleas, Saint Pelagia stood firm in her newfound faith, becoming a devoted follower of the resurrected Christ. Her steadfastness in faith caused great sorrow to Diocletian’s son, to whom she was engaged, leading to his death from grief.
When Emperor Diocletian learned of the situation, he summoned Pelagia for questioning. Enraged by her commitment to Christianity, he sentenced her to death. She was placed inside a burning bronze ox, where she gave her spirit to the Lord, offering the ultimate testimony of faith.
Saint Pelagia remains a shining example of holiness and courage, embodying the virtues of a Christian woman who, with self-denial, remained faithful to Christ until her death.
Her life reaffirms that Christian women have long been heroines of spiritual struggle and daily life, standing strong in faith and devotion to the Risen Jesus Christ.
Source: Church of Cyprus
