Basilissa of Egypt

Holy Martyr Basilissa of Egypt was abbess of a convent and the wife of Saint Julian, with whom she lived in virginity. The synaxarion remembers her together with him and the other martyrs of the same account.

Julian was born in the Egyptian city of Antinoë and, at his parents' wish, married Basilissa, a noble and wealthy girl. In marriage both remained virgins. After their parents died they founded two monasteries, one for men and one for women, put on the monastic habit and each led one community.

In the time of Diocletian, according to the synaxarion, Julian suffered cruelly for faith in Christ. His steadfastness brought to faith Celsus, the son of his tormentor, the governor Marcian, and Celsus's wife, Marionilla. It is told that the saint raised a dead pagan, who also came to believe. The converts were baptized by the priest Anthony, and the pagan was named Anastasius at baptism. After a time in prison they all received the crown of martyrdom, beheaded with the sword. With them suffered twenty soldiers and seven boys.

Basilissa is commemorated on 21 January, in the new style, together with Julian, Celsus, Anthony, Anastasius, Marionilla and the others.