On this day, July 6 according to the Julian Calendar (July 19 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Lucia the Virgin and her companions — Rixa, Anthony, Lucian, Isidore, Dion, Diodore, Cuthonios, Aronos, Capice, and Saturn — who suffered for Christ in the year 301.
The Holy Martyr Lucia was born in Italy, in the region of Campania. From her earliest youth she consecrated herself to God and lived a life of virginal purity and prayer. She secretly distributed her possessions to the poor, caring for widows, orphans, and the destitute.
When the persecutions of the Christians intensified, Lucia was seized together with a group of her fellow believers. All of them — Rixa, Anthony, Lucian, Isidore, Dion, Diodore, Cuthonios, Aronos, Capice, and Saturn — were subjected to cruel tortures for their refusal to deny Christ and offer sacrifice to the pagan idols. After enduring their sufferings with unwavering faith and courage, they were put to death for the confession of Christ.
The Church venerates Lucia and her companions as a radiant choir of martyrs who preferred eternal life with Christ to the passing pleasures of this world.
May the intercessions of the Holy Martyr Lucia and her companions be with us all.