Virgin Martyr Mastridia of Alexandria

Commemorated on November 24.

The Nun Mastridia lived in Alexandria. She made a vow of virginity and she dwelt in unceasing prayer, keeping the fasts and keeping silence. The pure life of the holy virgin was beset by trials. A certain young man, attracted to her with impure desire, began to pursue her so that she could not even leave her home to go to church.

Grieving because she had unwillingly led the youth into temptation, and being zealous for his salvation, the saint invited him into her home. She asked what it was about her that made him bother her so much. He replied, “Your beautiful eyes!” Hearing this, she gouged them out with a needle she used for sewing. Thus she saved herself and the youth from temptation. He then repented and became a monk, living as a strict ascetic. Saint Mastridia finished her life in works for the Lord.

Troparion

(Podoben: “Joseph was amazed...”)
Your lamb Mastridia,
calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice:
“I love You, my Bridegroom,
and in seeking You, I endure suffering.
In baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You,
and I died so that I might live with You.
Accept me as a pure sacrifice,
for I have offered myself in love.”
Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.

Kontakion

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
Finding your most revered temple to be a source of healing for our souls,
we the faithful cry out to You with a loud voice:
“O most renowned Virgin Martyr Mastridia,
entreat Christ God unceasingly on behalf of us all.”