The Holy Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica endured great suffering in the third or fourth century. She was a slave to a Jewish woman named Pautila, the wife of a military commander in Thessalonica. Despite constant mockery and attempts to convert her to Judaism, Saint Matrona remained steadfast in her faith in Christ, secretly attending Christian church services.
When Pautila discovered Matrona’s visits to the church, she questioned why she did not attend the synagogue instead. Matrona fearlessly replied that God resided in the Christian church, causing Pautila to violently beat and imprison her. Despite being bound and locked in a dark closet, Matrona miraculously freed herself each time.
After enduring severe beatings and deprivation for four days, Matrona passed away while in prayer. Pautila callously threw her body from the roof, but Christian believers retrieved and buried her with honor. Bishop Alexander later built a church in her memory, where her relics performed miraculous deeds.
Divine justice swiftly caught up with Pautila, as she met a fatal accident at the same spot where she had discarded Matrona’s body. This martyr’s unwavering faith and ultimate sacrifice serve as a testament to her devotion to Christ.