Saint Daria (Davidovskiy) Icon - S538

Saint Daria lived in the 3rd century. She was originally a pagan priestess, but on the day of her marriage to Saint Chrysanthus, she converted to Christianity. They lived together in chastity as brother and sister, and Daria developed a large following of consecrated virgins.

Her renown came to the attention of the Emperor Numerian, and he sought to pollute her chastity by sending her to a brothel. But the saint defended herself against every man who approached her, which infuriated the emperor.

Numerian had her stoned, but Daria endured it in such a supernatural way that the pagans believed she was a goddess. Saint Daria, together with her husband, were finally crushed to death in a pit full of rocks, giving their souls to God in the year 283.

Saint Daria's feast is celebrated on March 19, together with her husband Saint Chrysanthus.