A patron saint is our intercessor and advocate to God.
We look to their lives as inspiration, and we seek their prayers when we need help.
St Marina was only fifteen years old when she martyred. Her heroic life is an inspiring force for all Christians. St Marina's story is one that inspires courage to run to Christ through all adversity and strength to boldly confess our faith.
Want to hear more about Saint Marina's life?
Hear Vanessa Papastavros, opening the 2020 Festival of Saint Marina, as she gives us some insights into St Marina's life - and how it's relevant to us.
HER STORY
Marina was born in Pisidian Antioch in the early fourth century as the daughter of a pagan priest. Her mother died when she was young, leaving her in the care of a nursemaid who introduced Marina to the Orthodox Faith. In her early teens, Marina grew to love Jesus Christ and vowed to never marry, wishing to remain faithful to Christ alone.
For her faith, her pagan father disowned her. The imperial deputy, Olymbrius, learning from Marina that she was a Christian, wanted her to marry him. When Marina refused, he ordered her to bow down before the idols. Saint Marina replied, “I will neither bow down nor offer sacrifice to the breathless and dead idols, who do not recognise themselves and do not know that we honour or dishonour them. I will not give them the honour that belongs only to my Creator.”
Marina was imprisoned and tortured repeatedly for her faith. While in prison, she was visited by demons that she vanquished three times.
At one point, Olymbrios ordered that Marina be drowned in a large cauldron. She cried out to the Lord and asked that he transform this torture into her Baptism. As she was plunged into the water, a snow-white dove descended from Heaven and the chains that bound Marina fell to pieces. She emerged completely healed, glorifying the Trinity, and those who witnessed the miracle converted to Christianity.
For this, she and 15,000 Christians were put to death. When she martyred, Saint Marina was about fifteen years old.
Want to hear more about Saint Marina's life?
Hear Vanessa Papastavros, opening the 2020 Festival of Saint Marina, as she gives us some insights into St Marina's life - and how it's relevant to us.
Your lamb Marina calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice:
“I love You, my Bridegroom,
and in seeking You I endure suffering.
In baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You,
and I died so that I might live with You.
Accept me as a pure sacrifice,
for I have offered myself in love.”
Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.
Troparion (Tone 4)