Virgin Martyrs Ennatha, Valentina and Paula (+308)

The holy Virgin Martyrs Ennatha, Valentina and Paula suffered for Christ in 308, in the reign of the Emperor Maximian II Galerius (305–311). Saint Ennatha was a native of the city of Gaza (southern Palestine), Saint Valentina of Caesarea in Palestine, and Paula lived near Caesarea. Ennatha was the first to be brought before the tribunal of the governor Firmilian. She courageously confessed Christ, for which she was terribly beaten, and then bound to a post and tortured with sharp-pointed instruments. Valentina, condemned for dishonouring the gods, was taken to a pagan temple to offer gifts to the false gods, but she boldly threw a stone at the altar and turned her back on the fire kindled on it. The courageous confessor of Christ was mercilessly beaten, and then killed with the sword together with Saint Ennatha.

Last of all Paula was brought. The blessed bride of Christ courageously endured countless torments; at last she gave thanks to the Lord, bowed to the Christians present, and calmly bowed her neck to the sword.