Saint Lydia was the wife of Filit, who later also received a martyrdom. The saints lived in the second century after the birth of Christ, under the emperor Hadrian. Filit was a synclitic, that is, a dignitary, an important adviser to the court. Lydia, his wife, raised two sons, Macedon and Theoprepius.
The married couple professed faith in Christ, did not hide it and gained respect and veneration of their fellow citizens. But Adrian, who became emperor, was a pagan. He ordered an edict to be issued according to which all Christians were tried and put to death by the most trifling denunciation.
The trial of saints
The cruel emperor, learning about the faith of his official, became furious. He ordered the capture of Philith, Saint Lydia and their sons, and cast into prison. The next day, Adrian began to interrogate future martyrs himself and convince them to change their minds. Lydia encouraged her men to endure all trials with dignity.
At night, the angel of the Lord came to the prison where the family was kept, strengthened Christians and helped them. The martyrs did not sleep, foreseeing the near end of their days, they prayed incessantly and praised God.
Execution and Miracles
Adrian could not convince the spouses and their children to abandon the Orthodox faith, they were ready to suffer for Christ. Then the emperor sent them to Illyria. This country was located in the place of today's Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the eastern side of the Adriatic coast.
In Illyria, prisoners were met by the commander Amphilochius, even more cruel than the pagan emperor. The tormentor did not begin to talk with them and ask them to change their minds. It was not the first time that he executed Christians and his hands were blood on the shoulder.
Amphilochius ordered his subordinates to hang Saint Lydia on a tree and cut off pieces from her body, as if planing. The same fate befell Philith, and then Macedon and Theoprepius.
Miracles at execution
The execution was attended by the soldiers of Amphilochius and the prison governor Kronid. Knives and spears could not harm the saints, the Lord showed all those present a great power. Many of the soldiers believed, and with them the prison governor. All newly made Christians were thrown into prison, appointing a new caretaker.
At night, the angel visited the martyrs, warned that they would soon suffer, strengthened them. Amphilochius prepared a pot for Christians, in which oil was boiling. People were thrown into this instrument of torture, but the boil immediately ceased, and they, remaining unharmed, loudly praised God.
The military leader was speechless from such a miracle and believed. This event was reported to the emperor. Adrian immediately rushed to Illyria and demanded to repeat the attempt of execution. Now, the former bloodthirsty military leader has joined St. Lydia and other martyrs. With angelic meekness, he demolished the bumps and beatings of soldiers who had recently obeyed him. Amphilochius entered the boiling oil with prayer on his lips. Martyrs were thrown into the cauldron with hot oil over and over again, but by the power of God there was no damage on their bodies.
The emperor, impotent, returned to Rome, failing to execute anyone. The holy martyr Lydia, her husband and sons prayed with new brothers in Christ and, with a smile on their lips, gave their souls to God, having been honored with crowns.
Prayer of Lydia of Illyria
The righteous is asked to strengthen the spirit and faith, since she herself was a magnificent wife, a loving mother and a staunch Christian, boldly went to death. The icon of the holy martyr Lydia of Illyria today is in many houses, she is prayed for the instruction of sons and daughters in the truth of Orthodoxy, for peace in the family.
The prayers of God for me, the holy saint of God Lydia, as if I am zealously resorting to you, an ambulance and a prayer house for my soul.
Unmarried girls pray for a good marriage, and wives - for preventing divorce and discord between spouses. And if quarrels are frequent guests in the family, the prayer of St. Lydia will help to restore feelings that have faded under the pressure of everyday problems.