Martyr
Tatiana of Rome
Martyr Tatiana of Rome and those who suffered with her († 226-235)
New Calendar January 12 Old Calendar January 25
Why they are a saint
The Holy Martyress Tatiana was born into an illustrious Roman family—her father was thrice elected consul. The Orthodox Church commemorates Tatiana of Rome on January 12.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Life
Saint Tatiana was born into an illustrious Roman family; her father, three times consul, was secretly a Christian and raised her in the faith. She remained a virgin, was made a deaconess in one of the Roman churches, and served God in fasting and prayer, tending the sick and helping the needy.
Under the emperor Alexander Severus (222-235), when the regent Ulpian persecuted Christians, she was arrested and taken to the temple of Apollo to sacrifice. At her prayer an earthquake shattered the idol. She endured many tortures, during which some of her tormentors came to believe in Christ and were executed; a lion loosed on her in the circus did her no harm.
At last she was condemned to be beheaded with the sword, and her father was executed with her for having raised her to love Christ.
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 Tatiana of Rome as a patron when they bear the name Tatiana at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 12. As a martyr, she is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Tatiana of Rome, 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.