Neollina, Domnina and Parthena

The Holy Virgin Martyrs Neollina, Domnina and Parthena of Edessa in Macedonia are commemorated on the Sunday after Theophany. Nothing is known about Neollina and Domnina; only the life of Saint Parthena is known. Born in the fourteenth century, she lived with self-⁠restraint and great modesty, as her name, which means "virgin," suggests.

In 1375 the Turks besieged Edessa. The townspeople defended themselves bravely, encouraged by Hieromonk Seraphim, rector of the cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos, but the priest Peter, Parthena's father, was bribed by the Pasha and betrayed the city. The Turks entered on 26 December 1375, the citizens were massacred or sold into slavery, and Hieromonk Seraphim, after severe torments, was drowned in the waterfall called the "Pasha's water."

Peter denied Christ and became a Muslim. Unable to persuade Parthena, he gave her to the Pasha, but she courageously confessed that she would never deny her heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. In fury her father beat her until she lost consciousness, then stripped her and handed her to the Turks, who tortured her for three days. At last she was led to a hillside and buried alive. The hill is still called Parthena's Hill.

Edessa belongs to the Holy Metropolis of Edessa and Pella. The saints are commemorated on the Sunday between 7 and 13 January, and the OCA calendar lists them on 12 January (new style; 25 January on the old calendar).