Virgin-martyr Rhais (Raisa) of Alexandria (308)
Commemorated September 5
She was an Egyptian maiden, variously called Irais, Rais and Raida. One day, while drawing water from a well near the sea, she saw a ship laden with Christians being taken by their pagan persecutors to torture and death. By God's grace, Irais was touched by a desire to suffer for the Lord. She went to the ship, confessed herself to be a Christian, and was immediately taken prisoner with the other servants of Christ. They were all taken to the Egyptian town of Antinopolis, where Irais was the first of the company to be beheaded.
Troparion
Thy Lamb, O Jesus, Rhais, 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 Rhais, the greatly renowned Christ the God entreat incessantly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
