Margaret the Virgin
Margaret the Virgin, also known as Margaret of Antioch or Saint Marina the Great Martyr, is celebrated as a saint for her refusal to renounce Christianity and her virginity to a Roman official in the 4th century. Reputed to have promised powerful indulgences to those who invoked her intercession, her legend spread widely, making her one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in Roman Catholic tradition. She is particularly remembered for her martyrdom and her iconography often features a dragon.
- Feast Day
- July 20
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Turkey
Key Facts
- ›Margaret was tortured and beheaded in the 4th century for refusing to renounce Christianity and give her virginity to a Roman official.
- ›Her story includes miraculous incidents, such as being swallowed by Satan in the shape of a dragon and escaping.
- ›Her veneration spread from the East towards England, France, and Germany in the 11th century.
- ›The Council of Oxford added her to the list of feast days in 1222, greatly increasing her popularity.
- ›More than 250 churches are dedicated to her in England.
- ›She is recognized as a patroness of pregnant women, servant maids, kidney-sufferers, and against diabolical infestations.
Margaret of Antioch, Saint Marina the Great Martyr, Saint Marina
Pregnant Women, Servant Maids, Kidney-Sufferers, Against Diabolical Infestations
About Margaret the Virgin
Margaret the Virgin, also known in the West as Margaret of Antioch and in the East as Saint Marina the Great Martyr, is a saint celebrated for her martyrdom in the 4th century. Her legend, which emphasizes her refusal to renounce Christianity and her virginity, contributed to a widespread and enduring veneration.
Life and Historical Context
According to hagiography, Margaret was the daughter of a pagan priest named Aedesius in Antioch in Pisidia (modern-day Turkey). After her mother's death, she was raised by a Christian woman, embraced Christianity, and consecrated her virginity to God. This led to her disownment by her father. She was eventually brought before Olybrius, Governor of the Roman Diocese of the East, who sought to marry her on the condition that she renounce her faith. Upon her refusal, she was subjected to cruel torture, during which various miraculous incidents are said to have occurred, including being swallowed by Satan in the form of a dragon and escaping unharmed.
Veneration and Legacy
Margaret's veneration spread from the East towards Western Europe, particularly in the 11th century. In 1222, the Council of Oxford added her to the list of feast days, significantly increasing her popularity. Many churches in England are dedicated to her, with St. Margaret's, Westminster, being a prominent example. She is recognized as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in Roman Catholic tradition and is patroness of several groups and causes, including pregnant women and servant maids.
Historicity and Iconography
Scholarly sources, such as the Encyclopædia Britannica, generally regard Margaret's story as fictitious, with the Catholic Encyclopedia noting uncertainty even about the century she belonged to. During the Middle Ages, figures like Jacobus de Voragine considered parts of her martyrology, particularly the dragon episode, to be legendary. Iconographically, she is often depicted as a shepherdess or standing above a dragon. Western art typically shows her emerging from the dragon, while Eastern Byzantine iconography focuses on her struggle with the demon in her cell.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Margaret the Virgin?
Margaret the Virgin, also known as Margaret of Antioch or Saint Marina the Great Martyr, was a teenage Christian who lived in the 4th century. She is celebrated for her martyrdom after refusing to renounce her faith and virginity to a Roman official.
What is Margaret the Virgin most famous for?
She is chiefly remembered for her martyrdom and a legend where she was swallowed by Satan in the shape of a dragon, from which she escaped alive. This story, along with her reputed promise of indulgences, helped spread her veneration.
When is Margaret the Virgin's feast day?
In Western Christianity, she is celebrated on July 20. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates her on July 30 (Julian calendar), and the Coptic Orthodox Church observes her martyrdom on Epip 23 and a church dedication on Hathor 23.
Is Margaret the Virgin's story historically accurate?
According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, Margaret's story is generally regarded as fictitious. The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that even the century to which she belonged is uncertain, and medieval hagiographers considered parts of her story, like the dragon incident, to be legendary.
What are the patronages of Margaret the Virgin?
Margaret of Antioch is invoked as a patroness for pregnant women, servant maids, kidney-sufferers, and as protection against diabolical infestations.
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