St. Basilla, at Rome

Commemorated on December 24

Basilla, an orphaned Roman girl of imperial lineage, heard about the teachings of the Christians and St. Eugenia in Rome. She sent a trusted servant to the saint asking her to write her a letter explaining Christianity. St. Eugenia sent her friends and co-ascetics, Protus and Hyacinthus, who enlightened Basilla, and she accepted holy Baptism.

Basilla’s servant then told her fiancée, Pompey, that his betrothed had become a Christian. Pompey complained to the emperor that the Christians were preaching celibacy and denouncing idolatry. Basilla refused to enter into marriage with Pompey, and she was killed with a sword.

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