St. Sevastiane the Martyr icon

Orthodox icon of Saint Sevastiane, Σεβαστιανή.

Commemorated October 24.

Saint Sebastiani was from the city of Sebasti in Phrygia and was taught the Christian faith by the apostle Paul, and took the heat and courage of her teacher.

Saint Sebastian lived in the 1st century AD. and used her life every day to spread the truth of the Gospel (in Markianoupolis, Thrace). She went to the houses of pagans and attracted many women from them to the Church. She was arrested for this during the reign of Emperor Dometian and ruler Sergius, abused and expelled from her city.

She reached Heraklia in Thrace where she was again arrested, by the ruler Pompeian, and imprisoned. But her womanly nature shamed her tormentors. Promises did not tempt her, threats did not bend her, and under heavy tortures she stood with all her bravery. Saint Sebastian's flesh was tearing, but her lips, like her heart, still praised Christ. Finally, this great athlete of our Church surrendered her life by beheading and was buried in Raidesto.