Irene of Lecce

Saint Irene of Lecce, also known in the East as Irene of Macedonia, is venerated as a Great Martyr from the early centuries of the Church, traditionally placed in the 1st or 2nd century. According to ancient legend, she was born Penelope, the daughter of Licinius, ruler of Mygdonia. Fearing for her safety because of her beauty, her pagan father confined her in a tower from childhood. In that solitude she came to know the true God, received Christian teaching, and was baptized by Saint Timothy. Taking the name Irene, she boldly rejected idols and shattered the images her father gave her to worship. Her witness provoked fierce persecution. When her father ordered her dragged to death, she miraculously survived; and when he later died, Irene’s prayer restored him to life, leading to his conversion in some accounts. Irene then preached Christ and converted many, until she was imprisoned and, remaining steadfast, was ultimately put to death—often said by beheading. Honored in both East and West, she is especially remembered as patron of Erchie. Her feast day is May 5.