Ennatha of Persia

Holy Martyr Ennatha of Persia was one of the five virgins, Thecla, Martha, Mary, Mariamne and Ennatha, who suffered in Persia, in the village of Kashaz, in the time of King Shapur II, around the year 347. They dedicated themselves to God under the spiritual guidance of a priest, Paul. They gave all their property to the spiritual father, who thus became master of great wealth and wide lands.

Accused of confessing Christianity before the chief priest Narse Tamshapur, Paul was arrested, and the soldiers confiscated all that he had. His five disciples were also seized. In chains they were brought to the village of Hazza, near Arbela. Paul appeared first. The chief priest promised to give him back his property if he bowed to the sun and drank blood sacrificed to idols. The priest, a lover of gold more than of Christ, did all that he was commanded.

Then Tamshapur, who wished at any price to seize his wealth, devised something else: he said that he would keep his promise only if Paul would persuade the five virgins to bow to the sun and to marry.

When Paul told his disciples of his apostasy and urged them to follow his example, they showed him the greatest contempt, calling him a new Judas. The virgins were handed over to the tormentors, and each received a hundred blows of the whip. In spite of this they confessed faith in Christ with still greater zeal. Tamshapur condemned them to death and, repeating his promises to Paul, ordered him to kill them with his own hand, hoping that he would refuse and thus have a reason to take his property.

But avarice had made the priest's heart harder and more insensible than stone. He took the sword and killed Thecla, Mariamne, Martha, Mary and Ennatha, who managed to say to him: Wretched shepherd, who became a destroying wolf from love of money. Is this the peace offering we received from your hands? Is this the Life-⁠giving Blood you gave us? But your sword brings us eternal life and glory.

We go to Christ, our wealth and treasure, and you will not receive the property you seek, and soon God's judgment will overtake you, like the rich fool of the Gospel. Indeed, that same evening Tamshapur ordered Paul strangled in prison and took possession of his riches.

The Greeks commemorate the five virgins on 9 June, that is 22 June in the new style. The names of Mariamne and Ennatha are not included in the present calendar of the Russian Church.