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St. Basilissa of Nicomedia

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Commemorated on September 3

The Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia suffered for her faith in Christ under the Emperor Diocletian. The Nicomedia Governor Alexander gave orders to arrest the nine-year-old Basilissa and force her to renounce Christ. The young maiden displayed unshakable firmness in fidelity to her Lord, and was subjected to protracted and intense torture.

Through the grace of God, Basilissa remained alive and unharmed. This was evident to all those present as a manifestation of the power of God. It so upset Governor Alexander that he came to believe in Christ and confessed himself a Christian.

St. Basilissa fell asleep in the Lord several years later. Her death was peaceful and accompanied by miraculous signs of God's mercy.

By permission of the Orthodox Church in America (www.oca.org)