The Name day of
everyone named Agata.
The Holy Virgin Martyr Agatha was the fifteen-year-old daughter of
rich and respected Christian parents from the city of Palermo
(formerly Panormos) in Sicily. During the persecution under the
emperor Decius (249-251), the city governor of Catania, having heard
about Agatha's wealth and beauty, sent his soldiers after her to bring
her to trial as a Christian. At Catania they housed the saint with a
certain rich woman, who had five daughters. They all attempted to
tempt Saint Agatha with fine clothes, amusements and entertainment,
urging her to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, but the saint
disdained all these things. The more they tried to move her, the more
resolute she became. She prayed that she might soon face martyrdom.
During her interrogation under the Governor, the holy
martyr was swayed neither by the flattery, nor by the threats, and she
was subjected to cruel torments. They also tried to remove her breasts
with metal tongs, and when this failed, they used knives. The holy
Apostle Peter appeared to her in prison and healed her wounds. Saint
Agatha was led to torture again, and the Governor was astonished to
see her completely healed, with no trace of cutting. Then the torture
began once more.
At this moment an earthquake took place in the
city, and many buildings were destroyed. Among those killed were two
of the Governor’s advisors. The terrified inhabitants rushed to him,
demanding an end to Agatha's tortures. Fearing a revolt by the people,
the Governor sent Saint Agatha back to prison. There the martyr,
offering thanks to God, peacefully surrendered her soul to the Lord.
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PEACE HAVENS of BULGARIA
