Righteous Basilissa (Vasilissa) of Nicomedia

St. Basilissa (Vasilissa) of Nicomedia, a young girl, suffered for Christ in the early 4th century during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, at the age of nine. Denounced for confessing Christianity, she was brought to trial before Alexander, the governor of Nicomedia, who tried in vain to persuade her to renounce Christ and worship idols. For her steadfast confession of faith she was subjected to severe torments: beaten, hung upside-down over fire, exposed to caustic smoke, and then thrown into a blazing furnace — but making the sign of the cross, the girl entered the flames unharmed. She was also cast to starving lions, who likewise would not touch her. Struck by this evident manifestation of God's power, Governor Alexander himself came to believe in Christ. After her release, the saint left the city and prayed upon a stone, from which a spring of healing water burst forth. She died peacefully soon afterward and was buried by Bishop Anthony.