Martyr Aquilina the Elder of Byblos

Martyr Aquilina the Elder was a native of the Phoenician city of Byblos. From a young age — already at 12 years old — she was distinguished by deep faith and persuaded her pagan peers to turn to Christ. For this she was reported to the governor Volusian, before whom she firmly confessed her faith and refused to renounce it despite his persuasions. By the governor's order she was subjected to cruel torture: she was scourged and burned with hot rods. According to tradition, an angel appeared to her and completely healed her wounds; appearing before her torturer again, healed, the saint was sentenced to immediate execution. She suffered for Christ under Emperor Diocletian around 293 AD. Her relics were later translated to Constantinople. Her memory is kept on June 13/26.