Post #6436

Between 248 and 249, a popular uprising against the Christians broke out in Alexandria of Egypt, incited by an Alexandrian pagan fortune teller; on that occasion many Christians were scourged and stoned, and also suffered looting in their homes. During this bloody fury, at the time of the emperor Decius (autumn 249), it happened that the persecutors took possession of Apollonia, the most honored virgin of Alexandria, already advanced in age. Apollonia was brought before the idols, to make a sign to venerate them; but instead despising them, he highly declared that only the true God Jesus Christ was to be worshiped. Therefore all her teeth were beaten and pulled out; and wicked executioners, having lit a stake, threatened that they would burn her alive, if she had not detested Christ and had worshiped the gods. To them the virgin replied that she was ready to suffer any death for the faith of Jesus Christ. Therefore taken to be burned and stopped somewhat as to deliberate on what to do, she suddenly freed herself from their hands, and, internally lit by greater ardor of the Holy Spirit, joyfully threw herself into the fire prepared for them. Whence in a short time the body was consumed, the most pure spirit flew to Heaven to receive the immortal crown of martyrdom. The perpetrators of that cruelty themselves were astonished, as if a woman had found themselves more ready to die than the persecutor to punishment.