Holy Martyr Vasilissa

September 16 (September 3 old calendar).

A nine-year-old girl, she suffered in Nicomedia not long after the death of Anthimus. The torturers covered her whole body with wounds, but she remained faithful to Christ. God preserved her unharmed in fire and before wild beasts. Her torturer, Alexander, seeing these wonders, repented and became a Christian. Vasilissa went out into a field, fell on her knees and prayed to God, thanking Him for her endurance under torture, and, while thus praying, gave her soul into God's hands. This was in the year 309.

Troparion, Tone 4

Strengthened by the power of faith,/ thou didst contend for Christ our God, O glorious Vasilissa;/ thou didst endure every affliction/ and by thy courage didst shame the pagan gods./ We beseech thee to deliver us from the power of the evil one.

Kontakion, Tone 3

Thou wast adorned with the grace of virginity and the beauty of martyrdom,/ O Vasilissa, Bride of Christ./ Thou didst bear thy lamp and run to thy Bridegroom/ and wast crowned with incorruption./ Pray for those who faithfully praise thee. 


 

Holy Protection Russian Orthodox Church

2049 Argyle Ave. Los Angeles, California 90068

 

(vasilissa_martyr.doc, 08-15-2000)