Holy Martyr Raisa (Iraida) of Alexandria (†c. 308) — September 5 / September 18 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 5 according to the Julian Calendar (September 18 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Raisa (Iraida). She was a virgin from the city of Alexandria who struggled in asceticism in one of its monasteries. Once, having gone out of the monastery on an errand of obedience, the blessed one noticed a ship carrying prisoners held captive for Christ. Blessed Raisa willingly joined the captives. When the ship stopped at the Egyptian city of Antinoe, Raisa (Iraida) was the first to be handed over for torture, and she was slain by the sword. After her, the other martyrs also proved their faithfulness to the true faith by the shedding of their blood.

Saint Raisa is also commemorated on October 23 under the name Iraida.