St. Concordia, Martyr, and Foster Mother of St. Hippolytus, of Rome

Commemorated on August 13

St. Concordia was the foster mother of St. Hippolytus.

St. Hippolytus was a chief prison guard at Rome under Emperors Decius and Valerian in the third century. He was converted to Christ by St. Laurence. The authorities informed the emperor of Hippolytus’ conversion, and he was arrested. Hippolytus confessed himself a Christian, and they beat him fiercely with rods. His only response was, "I am a Christian."

The emperor gave orders to clothe St. Hippolytus in his soldier's garb, saying, "Be mindful of your calling and be our friend. Offer sacrifice to the gods together with us, just as before." But the martyr answered, "I am a soldier of Christ, my Savior, and I desire to die for Him."

They then confiscated all of his property. His foster mother, St. Concordia, was whipped with olive switches, and then beheaded, along with their servants, before his very eyes.

On August 13, 258, Hippolytus was tied to wild horses, which dragged him over the stones to his death.

St. Concordia’s body was thrown on a trash heap, but was later recovered by Sts. Irenaeus and Abundius. She was buried beside St. Hippolytus.

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