The Holy Martyrs Kyrikos and Julitta
Commemorated on July 15
The Holy Martyrs
Kyrikos and Julitta lived in Asia Minor in the city of Iconium in the
Likaoneia region. Saint Julitta was descended from an illustrious family and
was a Christian. Widowed early on, she raised her three year old son Kyrikos.
During the time of the persecution made against Christians by the emperor
Diocletian (284-305), Saint Julitta with her son and two trustworthy servants
departed the city, leaving behind her home and property and servants.
Under the guise of
being impoverished she his out first at Seleucia, and then at Tarsis. And it
was there in about the year 305 that she was recognised, arrested and brought
to trial before the governor named Alexander. Strengthened by the Lord, she
fearlessly gave answer to the questions of the judge and she firmly confessed
her faith in Christ. The governor gave orders to beat the saint with canes.
During the time of torment Saint Julitta kept repeating: "I am a Christian
and will not offer sacrifice to demons".
The little boy
Kyrikos cried, seeing his mother being tortured, and wanted to go to her. The
governor Alexander tried to hug him, but the boy broke free and shouted:
"Let me go to my mother, I am a Christian". The governor flung the
boy from the high rostrum onto the stone steps, and the boy tumbled downwards
striking the sharp edges, and died. The mother, seeing her lacerated son, gave
thanks to God that He had vouchsafed the boy a martyr's end. After many cruel
tortures they beheaded Saint Julitta with the sword.
The relics of Saints
Kyrikos and Julitta were discovered during the reign of holy
Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine (+ 337, Comm. 21 May). In honour of these
holy martyrs there was built near Constantinople a monastery, and not far off
from Jerusalem was built a church. In popular custom, Saints Kyrikos and
Julitta are prayed to for family happiness, and the restoring to health of sick
children.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.
