Virgin Martyr Valentina of Caesarea

Saint Martyr Valentina suffered in the second year of the Great Persecution under Emperor Maximian Galerius (308) together with the virgins Ennatha (from the vicinity of Gaza) and Paula (from the vicinity of Caesarea). The governor of Caesarea Palestine, Firmilian, ordered the arrest of Christians gathered in Gaza to read Scripture and had them sent to Caesarea for trial.

Ennatha was tried first — she boldly confessed Christ, was savagely beaten, then bound to a post and had her flesh scraped. Seeing Ennatha's torment, Valentina rushed toward the judgment seat in indignation, crying, "How much longer will you torment my sister?" — and was immediately seized. Brought to a pagan temple and pressed to sacrifice to an idol, she instead threw a stone at the altar and, turning her back on the fire burning there, resolutely refused.

Firmilian had her mercilessly beaten on the ribs, then sentenced both Ennatha and Valentina to beheading by the sword. Paula, tried separately, patiently endured numerous tortures and was likewise beheaded, tradition holding that she thanked God and bowed her own head to the sword.

Her feast is kept on February 10/23.