Holy Martyr Melitina (†138–161) — September 16 / September 29 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 16 according to the Julian Calendar (September 29 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Melitina.

The holy Martyr Melitina lived in the city of Marcianopolis during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138–161). She was a devout Christian, and for her tireless zeal the Lord granted her the gift of working miracles. By the power of her prayer the blessed one shattered the idols of Apollo and Hercules. Her fervent preaching converted many pagans to the faith of Christ, among them the wife of the governor of Marcianopolis. When the governor learned of this, he brought Saint Melitina before the tribunal and sentenced her to be beheaded.

Acacius the Macedonian, who was travelling to his homeland, reverently took the martyr’s body with him, wishing to bury it in Macedonia; but on the way he fell ill and died. The ship stopped at the island of Lemnos, and there Saint Melitina was committed to the earth. Acacius was buried beside her.