Martyr Markella of Chios
A maiden of Chios who, fleeing the unnatural lust of her own father, would sooner die than sin, and was hunted down and slain by him; she is venerated as a virgin-martyr and a protector of those in danger.
A maiden of Chios who, fleeing the unnatural lust of her own father, would sooner die than sin, and was hunted down and slain by him; she is venerated as a virgin-martyr and a protector of those in danger.
Thousands of pilgrims travel to her monastery at Volissos on Chios - many walking through the night - to venerate her icon and to bathe afflicted limbs in her holy spring, which the priest blesses during the Paraklesis.
Troparion1 hymnReadHide
Your lamb Markella calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice:
“I love You, my Bridegroom, and in seeking You I endure suffering.
In Baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You,
and I died so that I might live with You.
Accept me as a pure sacrifice,
for I have offered myself in love.”
Through her prayers, save our souls, since You are merciful.
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
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