SAINT GOLINDUCA OF HIERAPOLIS, MARTYR - 18 MAY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN MAY

Saints celebrated on the 18th of May

SAINT GOLINDUCA OF HIERAPOLIS, MARTYR

Saint Golinduca, also called Mary, lived under the Persian king Chosroe I. According to Migne*, she was of a distinguished family of magicians, and married one of the most noble Persians, by whom she had three sons. 

Once, by the grace of God, while she was asleep, she saw an angel showing her a region bathed in light where the righteous go, and another dark region where the idolaters perished. Since she now also wished to enter the light-filled place, she heard the angel say: "If you do not become a Christian, you cannot enter there." (ex Synax.) 

She then became a Christian and faithfully professed her faith , even under the cruelest sufferings, which she now had to endure from the magicians. Although she is venerated as a martyr, she seems to have died a natural death; for it is said of her: "At last she was freed and, after having done many good deeds, went to Christ." After she converted her family and a large number of Persians, she died in Hierapolis at the beginning of the 7th century, as the local bishop Stephen, who described her life, relates. The Greeks celebrate her memory on July 12, and that a church was built in her honour at Constantinople.

St Golinduca is also commemorated on July 11.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 2, Augsburg, 1861)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Golinduca may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.