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Martyrs Cyricus and Julita; St. Vladimir, the Enlightener of the Russian Land

July 14, 2026 · 1 min read

Orthodox Calendar, July 15 Martyrs Cyricus and Julita The Holy Martyrs Cyricus and Julita lived in the city of Iconium in the province of Lykaoneia in Asia Minor. Saint Julita was descended from an illustrious family and was a Christian. Widowed early on, she raised her three-year old-son Cyricus (Quiricus).

During the emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians, Saint Julita departed the city with her son and two trustworthy servants, leaving behind her home, property, and servants.

Concealing her noble rank, she hid out first at Seleucia, and then at Tarsus. There around the year 305 she was recognized, arrested and brought to trial before the governor, Alexander. Strengthened by the Lord, she fearlessly answered the judge’s questions, and firmly confessed her faith in Christ.

The governor gave orders to beat the saint with rods. During her torments Saint Julita kept repeating, “I am a Christian, and will not offer sacrifice to demons.”

The little boy Cyricus cried, seeing his mother being tortured, and wanted to go to her. The governor Alexander tried to sit him on his lap, but the boy broke free and shouted, “Let me go to my mother, I am a Christian.” The…

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سمير خوري

Saint Yulita ran away with her little child, Kyricos, and left everything behind. This reminds me of how difficult it is for a believing mother. The child is three years old, but he shouted, “I am a Christian.” Imagine. May God give us strength like their strength in these days.

جويل خوري

That's right, Samir. Imagine a mother running away with her three-year-old child, leaving her home and everything behind. I always think about how Saint Yulita was able to endure the beatings when she heard her son’s voice screaming. May God give us a little of their faith, especially when we face small daily pressures.

هلا عبود

That's true, Joel, especially when you mentioned the moment when Saint Yulita hears her son's voice screaming while she is being beaten. I imagine her repeating, “I am a Christian,” as she thinks about the three years she raised alone. One time I was baking bread when I was tired from working in a restaurant, so I remembered her story and thought to myself that our pressures were just smoke compared to her. May God strengthen us.

جيسيكا نصار

Hello, I am completely with you at this moment. Imagine Yulita hearing the cry of the Kirikos Trio while she was under the sticks, and yet she did not back down. Me too, when I'm tired after a long day with electricity and come back to pray in the evening, I remember her story and say, it's simple to get rid of fatigue. May God give us her patience.

كميل خوري

Oh Jessica, the cry of the three boys saying “I am a Christian” really makes one feel goosebumps. When I read the story, I always imagine Yulita tied up, yet her eyes are on her son, not just the sticks. May God give us a small portion of her patience, especially when the electricity goes out for hours and we go back to praying tired.

سلمى حداد

Yes, by God, Jessica, especially when the boy shouts “I am a Christian” when he is still three years old. Every time I read it, I think about my little son. If a situation like this happened, how would I be able to control myself? May God truly give us her patience, even in the long days of separation.

إلياس نصار

Oh Salma, I also stop every time when the boy cries, “I am a Christian,” even though he is not yet three years old. Imagine if it was your son or my grandson, we cannot imagine the strength that God gave to the mother and child. May God strengthen us in days of hardship, such as long days of fasting.

حنا معلوف

Yes, Elias, this boy's scream really stops one. Every year when I read it, I think of my son when he was little and was afraid of any loud sound. Imagine a child with that power. May God give us a little of His faith in times of distress.