Saints Cyricus and Julitta (XIXc) Icon - S365

These martyrs were from Iconium in Asia Minor. When her husband died, Julitta was left to raise her three-year-old son Cyricus (or Quriaqos) alone. During the persecutions of Diocletian, they fled to Tarsus, but were arrested in the year 305.

Julitta was made to stand trial, and she fearlessly confessed her faith in Christ. She was sent away to be tortured, which caused her child to cry out. The governor tried to calm him, but Cyricus tore away from him and declared, "Let me go to my mother. I am a Christian." In a fit of rage, the governor kicked the child down the marble steps, where he hit his head on a sharp edge and died. Julitta immediately gave thanks that her son had been worthy of a martyr's crown. She was dragged away to be tortured, and eventually beheaded, joining her son in the ranks of the saints and martyrs.

Saints Cyricus and Julitta are traditionally invoked in prayer for families and children. Their feast is celebrated on July 15; June 16 in the West.