Today the church remembers St. Serapis of Antioch, Martyr.
Ora pro nobis.
Serapia (sometimes known as Seraphima) was born at Antioch in the late 1st century AD, of Christian parents. Fleeing the persecution of Emperor Hadrian (117-138), she went to Italy and settled there. Having taken a vow of chastity, she disposed of her property, distributed the proceeds to the poor, and entered the service of a wealthy Roman widow named Sabina, whom she converted to the faith. Sabina then withdrew with a few devout friends to one of her country seats near Vendina in Umbria, where they employed themselves in acts of devotion and charity.
Their works of Christian charity and evangelism reached the local governor, Virilius, in 121 AD. Virilus had Serapia brought before him for questioning. She went fearlessly to face Virilus, and her devoted friend Sabina accompanied her. When he saw that illustrious lady, Virilus at first set the maiden free, but after several days he summoned Saint Serapia once again and began the trial.
The governor insisted that she honor the pagan gods and offer sacrifice, but she boldly confessed her faith in the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ. Then Virilus gave her to two shameless young men of Egyptian descent so they could defile her. Seraphima begged the Lord to protect her. Suddenly there was an earthquake, and the two men fell to the ground paralyzed and unable to speak. On the following day the governor learned that his plan had failed. Believing that the saint was a sorceress, Virilus told her to restore the young men to health so that they could relate what had happened to them.
After praying to the Lord, Serapia ordered the men to stand up. They got up at once and informed the governor that an Angel of the Lord had shielded the saint, and prevented them from approaching her. The cruel governor did not believe his servants, and he continued to urge her to offer sacrifice to the idols. The holy martyr remained steadfast, however, even when they burned her with flaming torches and mercilessly beat her with sticks. Then harsh punishment overtook the governor. Splinters from the sticks with which the saint was beaten, struck him in his right eye, and after three days the tormentor became blind.
Powerless before the unyielding Christian, Virilus ordered her to be beheaded. Sabina buried the body of her holy mentor with all due honor and reverence. Sabina buried Serapia in her own family tomb. Sabina met a similar fate not long after.
Almighty God, who gave to your servant Serapia boldness to confess the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we may always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
