- Orthodox Remembrance Day: April 10, April 21, April 12
- Name means: the soldier (from Greek)
- Empress, Martyr
- Born in Silena, today Qabilat Silin near Al Khums, Libya or in Cyrene, today Shahat, Libya
- Died 303 in Nicomedia, today Izmit, Turkey
In the captivating legend of Saint George, there is mention of a king’s daughter who would later be known as Empress Alexandra and have her own tradition of the tale.
According to the legend, Alexandra became the wife of the infamous Emperor Diocletian, a known persecutor of Christians, despite being a secret follower of the faith herself. When Saint George was brutally tortured by Diocletian, Alexandra bravely stepped into the arena, honoring and paying tribute to George in front of all who were present. In a bold move, she publicly declared her own beliefs and faith.
This act further continued when she witnessed the many individuals who came to faith after being moved by George’s miraculous abilities and his indomitable capacity to endure suffering. Upon witnessing this reality, Alexandra’s husband, Diocletian, was outraged and ordered the execution of both George and his wife.
On their way to the execution block, Alexandra made a request to rest and prayed, ultimately meeting her end peacefully and serenely. Additionally, Western legends tell of the execution of her loyal servants, Apaulis (Apollo), Sahacius (Isaac), and Quadratus (Codratus), who were imprisoned and ultimately killed as a result of their faith. Included in the veneration of martyrs in Orthodox Churches are Anatolios, Protoleon, and 630 others who also converted to the faith due to Saint George’s martyrdom.
Overall, the legend of Empress Alexandra exemplifies courage, devotion, and the triumph of faith in the face of suffering and oppression.
