OCTOBER 24 - MEMORY OF THE HOLY MARTYRS ZINAIDA AND PFILONILLA.
The holy sisters Zinaida and Philonilla were born in the city of Tarsus in the Cilician region of Asia Minor (now Turkey). According to legend, they were relatives of the Apostle Paul. Seeing big changes in the life of their uncle the Apostle Paul, who had previously been a great opponent of Christians and a persecutor of the Church of God and bore the name Saul, but after turning to Christ and becoming a preacher of the faith of Christ, the young virgins thought about the vanity of this world and, taught by Saint Paul, with all their souls they desired to work for Christ alone.

Having chosen one thing for the needs of their souls, Zinaida and Philonilla, taught and confirmed in the faith of Christ, went through cities and villages, preaching the Gospel and selflessly healing every ailment and ulcer in people. By leaving their mother and renouncing their property, the virgins performed a truly apostolic work. Having in their hearts the words of the prophet David “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Zinaida and her sister decided to settle in a den near the city of Demitrias, north of Tarsus. There the virgins lived like the angels. Zinaida healed all kinds of ailments, and Philonilla, devoted to fasting and vigils, performed great miracles.

But God wanted these pearls not to be hidden from people who needed their help and service. Seeking healing, more and more people came to the cave of the holy virgins. Healing bodily illnesses free of charge, the holy sisters also treated spiritual ulcers in people, instructing them in the Christian faith. Seeing such great grace in the virgins, Christians were strengthened, and many pagans gained faith in Christ and were baptized.

It is not known how long Saints Zinaida and Philonilla labored like this in Demitrias. But the pagans living around became embittered, since as a result of the preaching and miracles performed by the virgins, their idol temples were empty and the worship of demons was diminished. The persuasion and threats of the pagans had no influence on the holy virgins, and then, having become enraged, they entered the den at night and stoned their bodies before death, and their souls were taken into the villages of paradise. Thus, the holy virgins Zinaida and Philonila suffered martyrdom. They pray to the holy martyrs Zinaida and Philonilla for the healing of all mental and physical infirmities.

Martyrs Zinaida and Philonilla, pray to God for us!

Martyrs Zenaida and Philonilla of Tarsus, Troparion, Tone IV —
Having finished the race and kept the Faith, through martyrdom ye were led to Christ, the Lamb and Shepherd, as reason-endowed ewe-lambs. Wherefore, with joyous soul we celebrate your holy memory today, magnifying Christ, O right wondrous Zinaida and Philonilla.

Kontakion, in Tone II —
O emulators of Stephen, the first among athletes, and fellow laborers with the physicians who charged no fee: for the sake of Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, ye were stoned to death, persecuted by hardhearted people; and having acquired boldness before the Holy Trinity, ye drive away the ailments of suffering men. O martyrs, beseech the merciful God, that we who honor your sufferings with faith may be saved.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY MARTYR ZINAIDA.
Oh, most praiseworthy martyr of Christ Zinaida, our trustworthy intercessor before the Lord. We fall down and pray to you: let us be partakers of your love for God and neighbor, with which your holy soul was filled with speed during your lifetime. Illuminate us with the truth, enlighten our minds and hearts with the light of Divine teaching, teach us to imitate you faithfully, to love God and our neighbor and to fulfill the commandments of the Lord without sin, so that we may truly appear as children of light. Look with kindness on every soul of your faithful admirers who seek your mercy and help. Be a healer to all of us in illness, a comforter in sorrows, a visitor in sorrows, a helper in troubles and needs, in the hour of death a merciful patroness and protector, and fulfill all requests for the good of everyone. Yes, with the help of your prayers, grant us eternal salvation and inherit the Kingdom of Christ, glorifying the wondrous God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit in His saints forever and ever. Amen.