Sabina of Smyrna

Holy Martyr Sabina of Smyrna suffered in the time of the persecution of the emperor Decius (249-251), in Smyrna, beside the Holy Hieromartyrs Pionius and Linus, priests of Smyrna, the Holy Martyr Macedonia and the Holy Martyr Asclepiades.

The Church of Smyrna had been founded by the Holy Apostle John the Theologian and had become famous for the firmness of its confessors of Christ. Preparing for torments, having learned of the start of the persecution, Pionius, Sabina and Asclepiades spent their time in strict fasting and earnest prayer. Pionius took three interwoven chains and put them on himself and his companions. The saints were seized on 23 February, on the day of St Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna (†167), a feast day for all the Christians of Smyrna. After a short inquiry they were taken to prison, where they met the priest Linus, of the cathedral of Smyrna, and a woman, Macedonia from the village of Karina, imprisoned also for the Name of the Lord. Many faithful visited them, bringing what they could, but the saints gave everything to the guards. To Pionius came also those who had been Christians but out of fear of the torments had sacrificed to idols, asking his prayers. Pionius wept bitterly for the weak of soul and urged them not to despair but to repent truly and turn back to Christ with all their heart. After many torments, on 11 March 250, Pionius was crucified. The cross was surrounded with wood and set alight. When the pyre had burned, all saw his body wholly unharmed; not even the hair of his head had been burned. His face was bright, shining with divine grace.

The name of Sabina is not found in the present calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church. She is commemorated on 24 March, in the new style.