Holy Martyr Myropia (+c. 251)

Saint Myropia often visited the tomb of the holy Martyr Hermione, daughter of the Apostle Philip (commemorated 4 September), took away the myrrh that flowed from her relics, and healed the sick with it. When Decius (249–251) began to persecute the Christians, the saint went with her mother to the island of Chios to labour there.

By order of the governor of the island the pious soldier Isidore (commemorated 14 May) was tortured to death. Saint Myropia secretly carried away the martyr’s precious body and committed it to the earth. Then she presented herself to the governor and publicly confessed Christ. The blessed one was cruelly tortured and thrown into prison. At midnight the cell shone with light. The holy Martyr Isidore, accompanied by angels, stood before the virgin martyr. The prison was filled with fragrance, and the blessed Myropia joyfully committed her soul to the Lord. The pagan prison guard who witnessed this miracle told a priest everything, was baptised, and he too died a martyr for Christ.