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Saint Agatha Greek Orthodox Saint

saint-agathaSaint Agatha lived in the 3rd century, when Decius was emperor of the Romans and Quidianos was the prefect of her birthplace, the island of Sicily. During the same period in the city of apostles and innumerable martyrs, Rome, bishops were the virtuous Fabianus (236-250) and Cornelius (251-253).

Saint Agatha was the child of a family distinguished for its noble origin, wealth and piety among the other families of the Greek colony of Panormos on the northwestern coast of the island of Sicily, which is today known as Palermo. Her parents were named Rao and Apollo.

Young Agathi grew in age and virtue. She owed her prudent behavior to the correct upbringing of her parents and her piety. Since her childhood, her soul desired to experience the spiritual life and thus she spent her time in prayer and studying the divine Scriptures, trying to apply the divine will in her daily life. He was “thirsty” for Christ and lived only for Him. Her struggle was for her actions to be an application of her beliefs.

In 251 AD the prefect of the island was Quintianos who, anticipating his rise to the highest positions, hurried to carry out the orders of the emperor Decius who was struggling to eliminate the Christians from Rome and its surroundings. Agathi was only 15 years old when she heard that the persecution against Christians had broken out in the capital and that the inhuman decree was slowly reaching the ends of the imperial territory, even her birthplace.

The little girl did not panic when she heard the news. Armed with her strong faith in Jesus Christ and a lot of courage that had its root in the bloody sacrifice of the crucified Bride of her soul, she hastened to strengthen the faith and instruct the Christians of the island, emphasizing the value of eternal life.