The story of The Blessed Virgin Seraphima takes place during the reign of Emperor Hadrian
(117-138 AD) in Rome. Seraphima, a native of Antioch, was a devout follower of Jesus Christ
who lived with her newly-converted Christian friend Sabina, belonging to a respected senatorial
family.
During the period of Christian persecution initiated by Emperor Hadrian, Governor Virilus
summoned Saint Seraphima for interrogation. Fueled with her desire for martyrdom, she
accompanied her friend Sabina to meet the governor’s demands. Initially, Virilus released
Sabina upon seeing the famous, righteous lady, but after a few days, he brought the holy
Seraphima back for further questioning.
Governor Virilus expected Seraphima to offer sacrifices and honor the pagan gods, but the saint
firmly upheld her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. The governor resorted to an extreme plan of
giving Seraphima to two Egyptian men of ill-repute to defile. But, unflinchingly, Saint Seraphima
called out to the Lord for protection. Immediately, an earthquake struck, and the attackers were
left paralyzed, unable to move or speak.
Stubbornly, Governor Virilus continued to insist that Saint Seraphima worship the idols, failing
to comprehend the power of her unshakeable faith. The Holy Martyr refused to yield, and she
endured unbearable torture, including burning with flaming torches and merciless beating with
sticks.
In a twist of fate, the governor himself faced divine retribution when the sticks used to beat
Seraphima struck him in the right eye, rendering him blind for three agonizing days. Enraged
with the steadfast Christian, Governor Virilus ordered her execution by beheading.
The holy martyr’s friend, Sabina, gave her a dignified burial despite the harrowing
circumstances. Saint Seraphima’s unwavering faith and unwavering courage in adversity make
her a shining example of virtue and fortitude. Her story has been an inspiration to countless
Christians throughout the ages.
