Saint Solomonia, Mother of the Maccabean Martyrs

A life of faith

Solomonia is remembered as the mother of seven brothers who refused demands to abandon their Jewish faith under Antiochus. After six sons had been killed, she was ordered to persuade the youngest to accept advancement in exchange for compliance. He also refused. The calendar remembers Solomonia praying beside the bodies of her sons before her own death.

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

A reflection

Solomonia’s remembrance makes room for prayer and grief together, without treating loss as a failure of faith.

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.