Kyriaki

Saint Kyriaki was born in Nicomedia to devout Greek Christian parents, Dorotheus and Eusebia. Because she was born on Sunday, the Lord’s Day, they named her Kyriaki, meaning “of the Lord.” From childhood she consecrated herself to Christ, and when suitors sought her hand, she refused them all, choosing a life of faithful virginity. Her steadfastness provoked a local magistrate, who denounced Kyriaki and her parents during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. Her parents were beaten and exiled, while Kyriaki was interrogated and cruelly tortured for refusing to worship the pagan gods. Imprisoned and wounded, she was strengthened by a vision of Christ who healed her. Brought to a temple, she prayed, and an earthquake shattered the idols. Further torments followed—fire that would not consume her and wild beasts that would not harm her—until she was condemned to death. After praying for all who would honor her martyrdom, she surrendered her soul to God at only twenty-one. Saint Kyriaki is honored as patroness of places including Servia and is celebrated on July 7.