Synopsis of the Life of Saint Marina the Great Martyr

Saint Marina was born in Antioch, Pisidia, to a pagan priest but was raised by a nurse and was introduced to Christianity around age twelve. After learning the story of Christ's conception and birth, her faith was solidified, leading her to vow never to marry and to dedicate her life as a "bride of Christ," even expressing a willingness to die for her faith. Her striking beauty soon drew the attention of Olymbrios, the imperial governor, who desired to marry her. When Marina openly confessed she was a Christian and refused his offer of marriage, she was taken into custody, where the governor hoped a noblewoman could persuade her to apostatize. However, when Olymbrios publicly offered his hand and heart, Saint Marina remained firm in her refusal.

The refusal immediately brought an end to worldly temptation and ushered in a period of intense physical suffering and torture. Marina, drawing strength from prayer, bravely endured beatings with rods, raking with tridents, having nails driven into her, and being burned with fire. Yet, this second level of suffering did not break her spirit. The third and ultimate test came directly from Satan, who launched a threefold assault. He first appeared to the Saint in prison as a dragon and devoured her. Marina, however, prayed and made the Sign of the Cross inside the dragon's belly, causing it to tear apart and release her.

Following the initial demonic attack, Satan appeared again, this time as a man. Saint Marina, demonstrating a unique level of active physical resistance, wrestled with the devil. As she continued to pray, she grabbed a copper hammer and beat Satan on the head, holding him by the horns and stepping on his neck, commanding him to depart. At this point, the heavens opened, her wounds were miraculously healed, and a voice of encouragement strengthened her. The devil made a final, third attempt, trying to tempt her into sin by discussing his atrocities, but Marina again defeated him by making the Sign of the Cross. The abyss swallowed Satan, and she spent the rest of the night in joyous thanksgiving.

The final contest began the next day with the eparch subjecting her to more torture, including suspending her on a tree, scorching her with fire, and finally dunking her in a barrel of water, which served as her Holy Baptism. During the submersion, a divine light shone, and a snow-white dove crowned her with gold. The astonished crowd, witnessing the miracle, declared themselves Christians. Enraged, the governor ordered their execution, and in the year 304, 15,000 people were beheaded along with the fifteen-year-old Saint Marina. Due to the numerous miracles attributed to her relics, Saint Marina is venerated as a protector against misfortunes, slander, and evil spirits, and she is often depicted in icons standing over or battling a dragon or a horned devil.

This beautiful and finely detailed icon is the work of our own Kyriakos Kosova. The icon is available in our own standard sizes. Featuring Christ as the Pantocrator.

Kyriakos Kosova is a master iconographer who spent much of his life in Albania, Greece and Italy. He is now in the US to continue his work in Orthodox Churches to the glory of God. Contact us, if you would like to hire him for your parishes iconographic needs.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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