Saint Lydia was the wife of Filitus, who later also received a martyr's crown. The saints lived in the second century after the birth of Christ, under the emperor Hadrian. Filit was a synclitic, that is, a dignitary, an important adviser at the court. Lydia, his wife, raised two sons, Macedon and Theoprepios.
The married couple professed their faith in Christ, did not hide it and earned the respect and veneration of their fellow citizens. But Hadrian, who became emperor, was a pagan. He ordered to issue an edict, according to which all Christians were tried and put to death on the most trifling denunciation.
Judgment of the saints
The cruel emperor, having learned about the faith of his official, became furious. He ordered that Philitus, Saint Lydia and their sons be seized and thrown into prison. The next day, Adrian himself began interrogating the future martyrs and urging them to come to their senses. Lydia encouraged her men so that they could endure all the trials with dignity.
At night, the angel of the Lord came to the dungeon where the family was kept, strengthened the Christians and helped them. martyrs notslept, foreseeing the near end of their days, prayed unceasingly and glorified God.
Execution and miracles
Adrian could not convince the spouses and their children to abandon the Orthodox faith, they were ready to suffer for Christ. Then the emperor sent them to Illyria. This country was located in the place of today's Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea.
In Illyria, the prisoners were met by the military leader Amphilochius, even more cruel than the pagan emperor. The tormentor did not talk to them and ask them to change their minds, it was not the first time he executed Christians and his hands were covered in blood to the shoulder.
Amphilochius ordered his subordinates to hang Saint Lydia on a tree and cut off pieces from her body, as if chopping. The same fate befell Philetus, and then Macedon and Theoprepios.
Miracles at execution
The soldiers of Amphilochius and the warden Kronid were present at the execution. Knives and spears could not harm the saints, the Lord showed everyone present great power. Many of the soldiers believed, and with them the prison warden. All newly minted Christians were thrown into prison, with a new overseer appointed.
An angel visited the martyrs at night, warned them that torment was coming soon, and strengthened them. Amphilochius prepared for the Christians a cauldron in which oil was boiling. People were thrown into this instrument of torture, but the boiling stopped immediately, and they, remaining unharmed, loudly praised God.
The warlord was speechless at such a miracle and believed. This event was reported to the emperor. Adrian is herehe rushed to Illyria and demanded that the execution be repeated. Now the former bloodthirsty military leader has joined St. Lydia and other martyrs. With angelic meekness, he endured poking and beatings from soldiers who had recently submitted to him. Amphilochius entered the boiling oil with a prayer on his lips. The martyrs were repeatedly thrown into a cauldron of hot oil, but by the power of God there was no damage to their bodies.
The Emperor, powerless, returned back to Rome, having failed to execute anyone. The Holy Martyr Lydia, her husband and sons prayed with new brothers in Christ and with a smile on their lips gave their souls to God, having been awarded crowns.
Prayer of Lydia of Illyria
The righteous woman is asked to strengthen her spirit and faith, since she herself was a magnificent wife, a loving mother and a staunch Christian, she boldly went to her death. The icon of the Holy Martyr Lydia of Illyria today is in many homes, they pray to her for the instruction of sons and daughters in the truth of Orthodoxy, for peace in the family.
Pray to God for me, holy servant of God Lydia, as I diligently resort to you, an ambulance and a prayer book for my soul.
Unmarried girls pray for a good marriage, and wives - to prevent divorce and discord between spouses. And if quarrels in the family are frequent guests, the prayer of St. Lydia will help bring back feelings that have faded away under the onslaught of everyday problems.
