Virgin Martyrs Alexandria, Claudia, Euphrasia, Matrona, Juliana, Euphemia, and Theodora

Commemorated on March 20.

These Saints lived during the reign of the impious Emperor Maximian, who was joint Emperor with Diocletian (286-305, and 307-308) who began a great persecution of Christians. At that time, men and women of all ages confessed Christ, and were put to death. Carrying out the tyrant's decree, but before killing them, his emissary subjected all the Christians of Amisos (or Aminsos) 1 to horrible torments. Then seven women, endowed with manly courage, appeared before the ruler, boldly condemning him for his cruelty, and confessing Christ as the only true God. Then they called the ruler inhumane, monstrous, and the enemy of truth.

The tyrant became enraged and ordered them to be taken to a public place as a spectacle, where they were beaten with rods. Then they cut off their breasts with swords and, after suspending them, they cut their skin so much that their intestines were visible. Finally, they were thrown into a great fiery furnace. While singing and praying, they surrendered their souls to God, from Whom they received the unfading crowns of their glorious contest. 2

1 A city on the southern shore of the Black Sea (Modern Samsun, Turkey, In ancient times it was a city of the Pontos region. 2 In the Menaion Theodora is called Theodosia.