Larissa

Holy Martyr Larissa was one of the Gothic Christians killed in Gothia, a region in what is today Crimea, in the third quarter of the fourth century, in the time of the emperor Gratian. She died around the year 375, in a persecution of Christians. The Orthodox Church commemorates her on 26 March by the old calendar, which is 8 April by the new.

In Gothia ruled King Yunger, who persecuted Christians and tore down churches. One day he ordered a church to be locked and set on fire during the service. In the fire three hundred and eight people perished, of whom the names of twenty-⁠one martyrs are known, among them Larissa. Other commemorations of the Gothic martyrs give twenty-⁠six names, so the number of those named is not the same in all sources.

A widow of a Gothic king, Gaatha, gathered the remains of the martyrs with her daughter Duclida and carried them to Syria. Gaatha then returned to her homeland, where she was stoned and died a martyr together with her son Agathon. The relics of the saints remained with Duclida, who came to Cyzicus in Asia Minor and gave part of them for the consecration of a church.

History has preserved almost nothing about Larissa. It is thought that she died a virgin, which is why she is often painted with her hair loose under the veil. Orthodox believers ask her prayers for bringing their loved ones to church, for strengthening in faith while travelling, for fasting and for the monastic life.