The Martyrdom of St. Marina, of Antioch

On the twenty-third day (July 30) of the blessed month of epip (June 25- July 24) was the martyrdom of the chosen St. Marina, who overcame the devil. She was one of the daughters of the nobles of Antioch, Pisidia in Asia Minor. Her parents worshipped the idols. When her mother died, her father entrusted her to a Christian nanny to raise her up. She narrated to her the biographies of the martyrs and what they receive from happiness in the eternal life. Marina longed to be martyred on the name of the Lord Christ.

One day the governor saw Marina and admired her much. He wanted to marry her however when he knew that she believed in the Lord Christ, he was disturbed and asked her to worship the idols. She utterly refused but he tried to persuade her to obey him so he would marry her however she did not heed him. He became angry and ordered to comb her body with sharp iron combs then rubbed her wounds with vinegar and lime then imprisoned her. The angel of the Lord appeared to her, and healed all her wounds.

The next morning, the governor ordered to bring her. When he saw that she was well, he exceedingly marveled and ordered to hang her on the Hinbazeen and to tightly squeeze her. The angel of the Lord came and healed her. He cast her in a large cauldron filled with boiling melted lead however the angel of the Lord saved her. Many believed because of her and received the crowns of martyrdom.

When the governor became weary of torturing her, he ordered to behead her. She extended her hands, prayed then bent her head down with great courage to the executioner who beheaded her and she received the crown of martyrdom. The Lord manifested from her pure body many wonders. Her body is still present in the church of the Virgin St. Mary in Haret El-Rum, in Cairo.

The blessing of her prayers be with us all and glory be to our God forever. Amen.