Paula of Byzantium

Holy Martyr Paula of Byzantium, a virgin, is commemorated on 16 June with the martyrs Lucillian, Claudius, Hypatius, Paul and Dionysius. Lucillian had been a pagan priest in the time of the emperor Aurelian (270-275); in old age he was baptized, and for his preaching he was denounced to the governor of Nicomedia, Silvanus. After torments he was imprisoned, met four young confessors, was thrown with them into a furnace, from which they came out unharmed, and was then sent to Byzantium. The young men were beheaded with the sword, and Lucillian was nailed to a cross.

The virgin Paula saw the struggle of the martyrs and devoted herself to serving those who suffered for Christ. She brought food to the Christian prisoners, washed their wounds, gave them medicines and buried the bodies of the martyrs. After the death of Lucillian and the four young men, she returned to Nicomedia and continued her holy service. She was seized and thrown into a furnace, but remained unharmed by God's power. Then she was sent to Byzantium, where the holy martyr was beheaded with the sword.

Saint Paula is commemorated on 16 June, in the new style.