Saint Aquilina of Zagliveri

A life of faith

Aquilina grew up near Thessalonica in a household divided over religion. Her mother encouraged her Christian faith, while her father eventually yielded to pressure to demand her conversion. At eighteen, she refused to abandon Christ. The OCA's received life describes repeated interrogation, promises of wealth and marriage, and severe punishment that failed to change her confession. A Christian finally carried her home, where she spoke with her mother before dying in 1764. Her commemoration remembers a young woman's resistance to religious coercion. The account's suffering is not a model for accepting abuse, and its historical conflict does not justify hostility toward entire communities.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Consider how to support someone's freedom of conscience without exposing that person to further harm. Aquilina's commemoration remembers conviction maintained under severe and unjust pressure.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.