Martyr
Martyr Paula the Virgin of Byzantium
† ок. 270–275
Also known as: Мц. Павла дева, Павла дева, Павла Никомидийская, Паула
A Christian virgin of Nicomedia who ministered to imprisoned martyrs, including St Lucillian and four youths; after burying them she was herself arrested and beheaded at Byzantium under Emperor Aurelian (270–275).
The holy virgin Paula, born to Christian parents, dedicated her life to Christ. Orphaned and possessing means, she bribed prison guards to visit Christians imprisoned for the faith, bringing them food, drink and clothing, washing and dressing their wounds and burying the bodies of martyrs.
Under Emperor Aurelian (270–275) she ministered in Nicomedia to the aged former pagan priest Lucillian and four young confessors, Claudius, Hypatius, Paul and Dionysius. She witnessed their sufferings, followed them to Byzantium, where the youths were beheaded and Lucillian crucified, and buried their bodies.
Returning to Nicomedia, she continued her service until she was arrested and brought before the same governor, Silvanus. She was beaten with rods, healed, according to her Life, by an angel, struck on the mouth for her bold words, imprisoned and cast into a heated furnace, from which she came out unharmed. She was then sent to Byzantium and beheaded at the place where Lucillian had suffered. She is commemorated with Lucillian and the four youths on 3 June (16 June).