September 16: Saint Euphemia is celebratedtranslated

Today, the Church honors the memory of Saint Kassianus of Cyprus, who practiced asceticism near the village of Alektora, and of Saint Euphemia, the great martyr and all-famed, who came from Chalcedon and lived during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. Her parents were distinguished for their love for the Holy Orthodox Church, the virtue of charity, prayer and piety. When the persecutions broke out, everyone ran to the mountains and caves for safety. Efimia, the stallholder, did the same. But quickly the fleeing Christians were called to report before Anthipatos. It was touching, because all the Christians remained brave and steadfast in the Orthodox spirit, despite threats, hardships and deprivations. Among them is Saint Euphemia.

After the torture, they took all the Christians to prison, except for Saint Euphimia, because the Prefect wanted to tempt her but also threaten her, because of her personality and beauty. He tried in vain, however, because he did not know her inner wealth and beauty and certainly did not evaluate her bravery and her devotion to the crucified Jesus Christ.

He endured a lot of torture and…