Irene

ON SAINT IRENE,

MARTYR IN GREECE.

Irene, Martyr in Greece (St.)

G. H.

The ancient Menology of the Emperor Basil Porphyrogenitus indicates to us the victory of this holy Martyr in these words: Elogy from the Menology of the Emperor Basil "On the same day the contest of the holy Martyr Irene. The holy Martyr Irene also, at the same time of holy Easter, in the same region, when in the oratory of her own house with other Christians she was glorifying God, was accused by the impious idolaters before the Governor, and being seized and bound with chains, was led to him; and being questioned, with a confident mind she confessed that Christ was the true God; and she proclaimed and preached him to be Lord of the whole earth, and Creator of all things, and Savior and Redeemer of men, and destroyer of idols. For this reason, having been first sharply beaten, she was then thrust into prison, since the Governor was detained with matters of public concern. Afterwards, having found opportunity, he had her led out of prison again and brought before him, and first tormented in many ways, she was cruelly tortured; then her tongue was cut out and her teeth knocked out, and at last her head was cut off with a sword." Thus far the Menology. And the Menaea With which the Menaea, both printed and written by hand, sufficiently agree: in which these things are handed down: "On the same day the memorial of the holy Martyr Irene. She was also in the region of Greece at the Paschal time, when Saint Leonides also with his companions underwent martyrdom, praising God in her own oratory along with other Christians. Being then brought before the Governor, she was seized and cast into prison: afterwards when she had been led out, her tongue was cut out, her teeth knocked out, and her head torn from her neck. And the Synaxary The same things are read on the following day in the Parisian Synaxary of the College of Clermont. The Ruthenian Calendar in Antonius Possevinus's Apparatus gives the name of the same holy Martyr on this day, but with the title of holy Mother, perhaps by a typographical error.