Martyr
Kyriake of Nicomedia
Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia
New Calendar July 7 Old Calendar July 20
Why they are a saint
Dorotheos and Eusebia, a devout, aging Christian couple who lived in Anatolia, had no children. The Orthodox Church commemorates Kyriake of Nicomedia on July 7.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Life
Saint Kyriake, the only child of Dorotheus and Eusebia, was named for the Lord's Day (Kyriake), on which she was born. She refused to marry a magistrate's son, having dedicated herself to Christ, and the magistrate denounced her family to Diocletian as Christians.
Her parents were beaten and exiled to Melitene, and Kyriake was sent to Maximian at Nicomedia, where she would not renounce Christ despite promises and tortures. Fire did not harm her and wild beasts grew tame. Sentenced to the sword, she prayed that God would receive her soul and remember those who honour her martyrdom, and angels took her soul before the soldiers could strike.
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 Kyriake of Nicomedia as a patron when they bear the name Kyriake at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 7. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Kyriake of Nicomedia, 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.