Life of Saint Marina

Saint Marina was born in Antioch in Pisidia from a rich Roman family. Her father, Aidesius, was an official priest of the idols, known throughout the city. Her mother died as soon as she gave birth to Marina and her father gave the baby to a woman to nurse. The town where the breadwinner lived was about three kilometers from her parental home. The little girl was forgotten by the father but maybe that was God’s will.

In the environment where Saint Marina lived, a Christian environment, she heard about the life and miracles of Christ and her soul was filled with joy and joy. Growing up he couldn’t help but compare the brutality of the pagans and the meekness of the Christians.

At that time in the year 270 AD the prefect of Antioch was Olivrios, known for his violence and for the persecution of Christians. The prefect learned that the idol priest’s daughter was a Christian and ordered her to be brought before him.
She, when asked about her name, answered.
“Marina they call me, born and raised in Pisidia, child of free parents and I wish to become a servant of God and my Savior Jesus Christ, who made the whole world”

The prefect at first wanted to change her mind about her Christian faith for good. Seeing that this was not possible, he threatened her and dragged her into tortures of various kinds. But again he did not succeed and the pagans, who believed in Christ because of MaArina, were increasing. The prefect, fearing that it will have the opposite of the desired result, i.e. that others will be afraid, finally decided to behead Agia Marina.

Saint Marina was martyred at the age of just fifteen for her love of Christ and her faith. The torture was horrific even for that time. But she did not lose her faith and beheaded herself. Many became Christians after that and followed the example and faith of Saint Marina. The church honors her memory and the bravery of her heart on the day of her beheading and proclaimed her a Saint and Great Martyr.