Martyr Athanasia and her daughters at Canopus in Egypt

Commemorated on January 31


The Christian woman Athanasia and her three young daughters were arrested because they were Christians. Theoctiste was fifteen; Theodota, was thirteen; and Eudoxia, was eleven. Sts Cyrus and John hastened to the prison to help them, for they were concerned that the women might renounce Christ when faced with torture.


Sts Cyrus and John gave them courage to endure what lay before them. Learning of this, the ruler of the city arrested Sts Cyrus and John, and seeing their steadfast and fearless confession of faith in Christ, he brought Athanasia and her daughters to witness their torture. The tyrant did not refrain from any form of torture against the holy martyrs. The women were not frightened by the sufferings of Sts Cyrus and John, but courageously continued to confess Christ. They were flogged and then beheaded, receiving their crowns of martyrdom.


Troparion - Tone 4
Your holy martyr Athanasia, O Lord,Through her sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.For having Your strength, she laid low her adversaries,And shattered the powerless boldness of demons.Through her intercessions, save our souls!

SOURCE:

SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2008: