St. Cyriarca (Dominica), Martyr, in Rome

Commemorated on August 21

St. Cyriaca was a wealthy Roman widow who sheltered persecuted Christians.  St. Laurence, the deacon and martyr, often came to her home in order to distribute alms to the needy.

St. Cyriaca’s charity cost her her life, and was she scourged to death in 249. 

The Church of St. Mary in Dominica is named in remembrance of her.

By permission of www.orthodoxeurope.org