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St. Lucy of Syracuse

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Commemorated on December 13

St. Lucy was born in Syracuse, Sicily during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. She distributed her wealth to the poor and took a vow of virginity. When she refused to marry a potential suitor, he denounced her to the prefect as a Christian, and she was arrested.

St. Lucy was sentenced to be defiled in a brothel, but with God’s help, she preserved her purity. The pagans then attempted to burn her alive, but she was not harmed by the fire. Finally, she was killed by a sword thrust to the throat.

The name Lucy (Lucia) is derived from the Latin word for light (“lux”), and so she is often invoked for afflictions of the eyes. There is a tradition that she was blinded by her torturers, and the church of San Giovanni Maggiore in Naples claims to possess her eyes.

Troparion (Tone 5) –

Wearing the radiant cloak of virginity

And being betrothed to the Lifegiver Christ

You forsook the love of your earthly betrothed

O Lucy Virgin-Martyr

Therefore as a bridal gift

You have brought to Christ the outpouring of your blood

You also intercede to Him for us all!

By permission of the Orthodox Church in America (www.oca.org)