Sabina
Sabina of Rome was a Roman Christian martyr venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. She converted to Christianity through the influence of her slave, Serapia, and was later martyred for her faith in Rome. Her relics were eventually translated to the basilica bearing her name on the Aventine Hill.
- Feast Day
- 29 August
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Sabina was the daughter of Herod Metallarius and the wealthy widow of Senator Valentinus.
- ›She converted to Christianity due to the example of her Syrian slave, Serapia.
- ›Sabina rescued the relics of Serapia after her martyrdom.
- ›She was denounced as a Christian and martyred in Rome around AD 126.
- ›Her relics were translated to the basilica Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill in 430.
- ›The Acts of her martyrdom are considered by some scholars to have no historic value.
Saint Sabina, Sabina the Roman
About Sabina
Sabina of Rome
Sabina of Rome, also known as Saint Sabina or Sabina the Roman, was a Roman Christian woman martyred for her faith. She is commemorated on August 29 and venerated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Her death is typically dated to around AD 119 or 126.
Biography and Martyrdom
Sabina was the daughter of Herod Metallarius and the wealthy widow of Senator Valentinus. She converted to Christianity due to the influence of her Syrian slave, Serapia. Following her conversion, Sabina withdrew with devout friends to one of her country estates to engage in good works. Serapia was later denounced and beheaded in Vindena, Umbria. Sabina managed to recover Serapia's relics and had them interred in the family mausoleum, where she expected to be buried herself. Sabina was subsequently denounced and accused of being a Christian by Elpidio the Prefect, leading to her martyrdom in Rome around AD 126.
Relics and Legacy
In 430, Sabina's relics were translated to the Aventine Hill in Rome. They were placed in the newly erected basilica Santa Sabina, which was built on the site of her former house, located near a temple of Juno. This house may have also served as an early Christian titular church. The basilica was initially dedicated to both Sabina and Serapia. Later scholarship, such as that by Maya Maskarinec, suggests that 'Sabina' might have been the philanthropist who donated property on the Aventine for a church, with a hagiographical narrative developing around this figure in the sixth to eighth centuries, eventually leading to her veneration as a patron saint.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sabina of Rome?
Sabina of Rome was a Roman Christian who was martyred for her faith. She is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
When did Sabina die?
Sabina died around AD 119 or 126. She was martyred in Rome, with the later date of c. AD 126 being specifically mentioned in connection with her denunciation by Elpidio the Prefect.
What is Sabina remembered for?
Sabina is chiefly remembered as a martyr for her Christian faith. She is also noted for her conversion influenced by her slave, Serapia, and for her relics being interred in her family mausoleum and later translated to the basilica Santa Sabina.
Where are Sabina's relics located?
In 430, Sabina's relics were translated to the Aventine Hill in Rome. They were placed in the newly erected basilica Santa Sabina, which was built on the site of her house.
Is there historical evidence for Sabina's martyrdom?
According to Klemens Löffler writing for the Catholic Encyclopedia, the Acts of Sabina's martyrdom have no historic value. Maya Maskarinec suggests Sabina may have been a donor who provided property for a church, with the passio developing later and attaching her name to the memory of a philanthropist.
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