Martyr Irene of Greece
Commemorated April 16
The Holy Martyress Irene suffered in Greece in the year 258 on the day of Holy Pascha. She lived with other Christians in a cave and spent her time in constant prayer. Reported on by the pagans, Saint Irene was arrested by soldiers of the governor and locked up in prison. For her fearless confession of Christ as the True God, Saint Irene was cruelly tortured. They cut out her tongue, knocked out her teeth, and finally they beheaded her with the sword.
Troparion
Thy Lamb, O Jesus, Irene, 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 the Merciful One, save our souls.
Kontakion
Having found thine all-revered temple to be the healer of souls, we all the faithful with a loud voice cry unto thee, O virgin-martyr Irene, the greatly renowned Christ the God entreat incessantly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
