Archelais and Companions

The Holy Martyrs Archelais and Companions are three virgins, Archelais, Thecla and Susanna, from the Romagna region of northern Italy, who suffered at Salerno in 293.

In the time of Diocletian's persecution they fled to Campania in southern Italy, to Nola, to escape death, and lived there in fasting and prayer, using the gift of healing for the people of the district and bringing many pagans to faith in Christ. Accused of being Christians, they were arrested and taken to Salerno. The governor ordered Archelais to be torn apart by lions, but the beasts lay meekly at her feet. She was then cruelly tortured, but remained unshaken, praying. In the end the three virgins were beheaded.

They are saints of the undivided Church, commemorated on 18 January (new style).