Elesa of Kythira
Martyr
Commemorated August 1
The Holy Martyr Elesa of Kythira was a young women from the Peloponnese who lived in the latter half of the fourth century. She was martyred by her father who objected to her becoming a Christian. St. Elesa is considered a protector of the island of Kythira. Her feast day is August 1 .
Troparion
Thy lamb, O Jesus, Elesa, is calling with a loud voice: Thee, O my Bridegroom, I love and, whilst Thee seeking, for Thee I endure martyrdom, I become crucified together with Thee and buried with Thee unto Thy baptism, and I suffer for Thy sake so that I may reign in Thee, and I die for Thee that I may live with Thee; but as unblemished sacrifice do Thou receive me that in love sacrificed myself to Thee. At her intercessions, as Merciful One, save our souls.
Kontakion
Thy divine memory, O Elesa, having now arisen, appears to the world as a sun proclaiming thy life: for having by abstinence destroyed the agitations of the flesh, through the blood of thy martyrdom hast thou affianced thyself to Christ; wherefore deliver from all evils those who praise thee, that we may call unto thee: Hail, thou, O holy mother.
Source: OrthodoxWiki
