Martyr · 251
Agatha of Palermo in Sicily
Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily († 251)
New Calendar February 5 Old Calendar February 18
Why they are a saint
She is one of the best loved and most venerated Martyrs of the West. She was born to a noble family in Catania or Palermo in Sicily. At an early age she consecrated herself to the Lord and, though very beautiful, sought only to adorn herself with the virtues. Venerated as a martyr who died for the faith in Christ.
Life
Saint Agatha was the fifteen-year-old daughter of rich Christian parents of Palermo in Sicily. In the persecution under Decius, the prefect of Catania, Quintianus, had her brought to trial as a Christian. Neither flattery, amusements nor threats could move her to sacrifice, and she was cruelly tortured; her breasts were cut with knives.
The Apostle Peter appeared to her in prison and healed her wounds. When the torture began again, an earthquake struck the city, and the frightened people demanded an end to her torment. Sent back to prison, she gave thanks to God and peacefully surrendered her soul to the Lord.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Agatha of Palermo in Sicily as a patron when they bear the name Agatha at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 5. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Agatha of Palermo in Sicily, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.