Hieromartyr · 3rd–4th century
Cyprian and Justina
Hieromartyr Cyprian, Virgin Martyr Justina, and Martyr Theoctistus of Nicomedia
New Calendar October 2 Old Calendar October 15
Why they are a saint
Cyprian was a pagan sorcerer converted through Justina's faith; both were martyred. They is asked against witchcraft and demonic attack. The years given for this life are 3rd–4th century. The New Calendar feast is October 2; this memory is kept in the whole Orthodox Church.
Life
Saint Cyprian, a native of Antioch, was dedicated to the pagan gods from childhood, studied at the great centres of paganism until he was thirty, and became a famous sorcerer. The virgin Justina, also of Antioch, had brought her parents to Christ and dedicated herself to God. When the young Aglaidas wished to marry her and sought Cyprian's help, all Cyprian's sorcery failed against her prayer and the Sign of the Cross.
Seeing the power of Christ, Cyprian repented before the local bishop Anthimus, burned his books of magic, and became a Christian; he later became a bishop and brought so many to Christ that the pagan temples fell into disuse, while Justina became abbess of a monastery. Under Diocletian both were taken to Nicomedia and, after tortures, beheaded with the sword.
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
Traditionally asked to pray for against witchcraft and demonic attack (with Justina). The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Cyprian and Justina, 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.
Do not confuse with Cyprian of Carthage; other Cyprians.