Lygeri of Chios

Holy New Martyr Lygeri of Chios was born in the early nineteenth century in the village of Anavatos on the island of Chios. She was raised in the Orthodox faith and stood out for the beauty of her soul and body, which aroused the desire of a Turkish tyrant. Despite his promises and pressure, with riches and honours, Lygeri remained steadfast in the faith and refused marriage to the man of another faith.

On 6 September 1822, the feast day at Anavatos of the miracle of the Archangel Michael at Chonai, the followers of the Turkish tyrant arrived in the village. In the confusion they seized Lygeri by force, against her will, to take her to him. On the way Lygeri embraced a tree with all her strength, proclaiming boldly that she would not deny Christ. Then one of the followers beheaded her and ran with her head toward the beach of Elinda, where the tyrant was waiting. With her blood her mother drew three crosses on the nearby rocks, one of which has survived to this day. She is commemorated on 6 September, in the calendar of the Church of Greece (new style).