Chariessa of Corinth

Holy Martyr Chariessa of Corinth is one of the eight women who suffered in the Peloponnese together with Holy Martyr Leonidas, in the persecution of Decius (about 250). Named with her are Victoria (Nike), Galina, Kalisa (Callida), Nunechia, Basilissa, Theodora and Irene.

Leonidas was born in the Peloponnese and was the leader of a women's spiritual choir. One source notes that nowhere is it said that he was a priest, so he cannot be the bishop of Athens commemorated on 15 April. When the other Christians of the region were hiding and trying to escape searches, the choir went on singing hymns and thanksgiving services, and the women led by Leonidas showed an incredible courage, being the only ones who openly confessed the Christian faith. They were arrested a few days before Pascha in the city of Troezen in Argolis (today New Epidaurus) and led to Corinth, to the governor Venustus.

Seated on a high throne, he promised Leonidas glory and wealth if he would sacrifice to the gods. Leonidas answered calmly and with a smile that he had long since given up falsehood and feared only for the governor, since his errors lead to eternal death. The magistrate resolved to turn to tortures. The saint said: If you wish, test my body with fire and you will see that, when the perishable flesh is harmed, my soul remains unharmed and rejoices that it is sooner freed from the bonds that tie it to mortal life.

The virgins were then brought in. The governor tried to convince them that their teacher had agreed to offer pagan sacrifice. They were not deceived and answered: We too shall offer sacrifice, with all our heart, to our Lord Jesus Christ. Seeing that he could not persuade them, he ordered them thrown into prison. Calling Leonidas again, the magistrate insisted that he obey the sovereign. Leonidas remained unshaken: Whatever the Lord of heaven and earth commands I carry out with reverence. But what emperors command I carry out only if it is right; if not, I do not consider myself bound to obey. In anger the governor ordered his skin stripped from him alive and his sides scorched with torches.

At the same time he resumed the interrogation of the seven virgins and asked whether they were of the same origin as Leonidas. Though we are of different origin and sex, we are one in faith and way of life, was the answer. You will be subjected to the same tortures as he, Venustus announced. The executioners at once began to carry out his order, but even by tortures they could obtain nothing. The saints said only: We are Christians and ready to endure any suffering for Christ. Then the magistrate decided to throw Leonidas and his pupils into the sea.

The martyrs were led along the shore, and Chariessa began to sing, like Miriam, the sister of Moses, after the Red Sea swallowed the host of Pharaoh (Exodus 15:20). Her song was taken up by her companions: I ran the course, Lord, an army pursued me, Lord, and I did not deny You, Lord, save my soul. On Holy Saturday (19 April, according to codex Patm. 254) they were put on a ship and went on singing. When the vessel had gone about six kilometres, stones were tied to their necks and their hands bound behind their backs. First Leonidas was thrown into the sea. Before the waves had yet swallowed him, the saint said: Today I receive a second baptism for the purification of the inner man. Then the seven virgins were given to the waves.

Later their bodies were found on the shore by pious Christians, and a large church consecrated the place of their burial. In 1917, after visions had in sleep by very many Christians of those parts, the relics of the eight martyrs were found, and many miracles confirmed their authenticity; from that day they became the goal of mass pilgrimages. Archaeological excavations near Corinth have uncovered the ruins of a huge church dedicated to Saint Leonidas, of a church built in their honour at Athens in the fifth century and of another at Klausion (Evrytania). The saints are commemorated on 23 March and on 29 April (new style).