The Orthodox Church honors today the memory of the martyr Themistocles and the holy virgin martyr Juliana.
Saint Juliana came from a prominent pagan family in Nicomedia during the reign of Emperor Maximian. Despite her beauty, intelligence, and wealth, her parents arranged for her to marry a pagan official named Eleusis.
However, Juliana, having embraced the teachings of Christ from the Apostle Paul, refused to marry a non-Christian. Her unwavering faith led to her being exposed as a Christian to the Roman authorities. Subsequently, she endured brutal torture at the hands of Eleusis.
Throughout her suffering, Juliana exhibited remarkable patience, believing that true wounds are those inflicted on the soul by moral decay and sin, which can be healed through the Church and the Sacraments of Repentance and Confession.
Juliana was ultimately martyred by sword within her prison cell. Her courage and integrity inspired many to embrace Christianity and emulate her steadfastness in faith.
There are countless women who, like Juliana, demonstrate bravery and resilience in the face of life’s challenges, adhering to the teachings of the Gospel and upholding moral values. Whether as mothers, wives, or devoted nuns, they choose to live in accordance with God’s will, exemplifying wisdom and selflessness.
Source: Church of Cyprus