Holy Martyrs Zenaida and Philonilla (I)

The holy Martyrs Zenaida and Philonilla were sisters, kinswomen and disciples of the Apostle Paul. The saints left their native home and settled in a cave near the city of Demetrias in Cilicia, and there they spent their days in unceasing prayer and unwearying labour. They knew the art of healing; they treated the sick without payment, and healed their souls too by turning them to the true God. The holy life of the blessed mothers was pleasing to the Lord, and He counted them worthy of the martyr’s crown: Saints Zenaida and Philonilla were stoned (1st century).