Glyceria
Saint Glyceria was a Roman virgin of the early church, venerated primarily in Eastern Christianity and the Catholic Church. She is remembered as a virgin martyr whose relics reputedly poured forth the Oil of Saints. Her name signifies "sweetness".
- Feast Day
- 13 May
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Roman Empire
Key Facts
- ›Glyceria was a Roman virgin of the early church who died around 177 AD in Perinthus, Propontis.
- ›Christian tradition states she was forced to pay tribute to a stone statue of Jupiter, which was destroyed while she stood before it.
- ›She was imprisoned and sentenced to be torn apart by wild animals, but died of other causes before this could occur.
- ›Glyceria died a virgin martyr in Heraclea.
- ›Her relics were said to pour forth a substance known as the Oil of Saints.
- ›The flow of sacred oil was temporarily halted when a silver basin used for witchcraft was employed to receive it.
About Glyceria
Saint Glyceria
Saint Glyceria was a Roman virgin and martyr of the early Christian church, who lived in the 2nd century CE. Her name, of Greek origin, translates to "sweetness." She is primarily venerated in Eastern Christianity and the Catholic Church.
Life and Martyrdom
According to Christian tradition, Glyceria was a virgin who faced persecution for her faith. She was reportedly compelled to pay tribute to a stone statue of the Roman god Jupiter. However, when she stood before the idol, it was miraculously destroyed. In response, she was imprisoned and subsequently sentenced to be torn apart by wild animals. Tradition holds that before the animals could inflict any harm, Glyceria died, thus becoming a virgin martyr in Heraclea.
Legacy and Relics
Glyceria's relics are notably associated with the miraculous substance known as the "Oil of Saints." Christian tradition recounts that this oil flowed from her relics. Theophylact Simocatta and John of Nikiu reported an incident where the flow of this sacred oil was temporarily halted when a silver basin, previously used for witchcraft by a man named Paulinus, was used to collect it. This event led to the execution of Paulinus and his sons, and upon the removal of the bowl, the oil resumed its flow.
Her feast day is observed on May 13th in Eastern Orthodox liturgics. She is recognized as a saint for her steadfastness and martyrdom in the face of pagan oppression.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Glyceria?
Saint Glyceria was a Roman virgin of the early church who lived in the 2nd century. She is recognized as a virgin martyr, primarily in Eastern Christianity and the Catholic Church.
What is Saint Glyceria known for?
She is chiefly remembered for her martyrdom and the miraculous substance known as the Oil of Saints, which reputedly poured forth from her relics. Her name also means "sweetness".
What happened to Saint Glyceria?
According to Christian tradition, she was imprisoned and sentenced to be torn apart by wild animals for refusing to pay tribute to a statue of Jupiter. However, she died before the animals could harm her, achieving martyrdom in Heraclea.
When is Saint Glyceria's feast day?
Her feast day is celebrated on May 13th in Eastern Orthodox liturgics.
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