Orthodox icon | Saint Martyrs Julitta and Cyricus | 24919

Saint Julitta hailed from a distinguished family in Iconium. She was widowed at a young age and devoted herself to the devout upbringing of her young son, Cyricus (also known as Quiricus), who was merely three years old at the time. During the intense period of persecution led by Diocletian (303-305), the Roman governor Dometianus in the province of Lycaonia began a vehement onslaught against Christians. In an attempt to escape these persecutions, Julitta fled with her child and two attendants to Seleucia in Isauria and subsequently to Tarsus in Cilicia.

However, their peace was short-lived as the imperial envoy, Alexandros, initiated his pursuit soon after their arrival in Tarsus. Upon learning about the arrival of the noble woman, he ordered her arrest. Julitta was apprehended and brought before the court, her son cradled in her arms. Facing relentless persecution, both mother and son suffered a martyr’s death.

Saint Julitta and her son Cyricus are commemorated annually on their feast day, July 15. They are revered as the patron saints of families, offering protection and solace. Moreover, they are invoked for their intercession in the healing of sick children, reflecting their compassionate nature and Julitta’s motherly love for her son Cyricus. Their story of resilience and steadfast faith, despite severe trials, continues to inspire and fortify believers even today.

Source: © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de