Saint Markella
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Saint Markella was an inhabitant of Chios, Greece who was canonized by the Greek Orthodox Church. She is the patron saint of Chios.
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[edit] Life
Saint Markella was born in Vassilos, Chios, Greece. She was raised as a Christian by her mother. However, her father was a pagan.
Around the time of her eighteenth birthday, Markella's father began to have incestual desires. Afraid of her father, Saint Markella fled to nearby mountains and hid in a bush. Her father found her there and set the bush on fire.
Afterwards, Markella tried to hide near the sea. Her father struck her with an arrow as she fled. Legend states that her blood stained the rocks red.
As she was injured, she prayed to Jesus to hide her. A rock opened and she was able to hide all of her body inside, but not her head. Her father decapitated her and threw the head into the sea. The head floated back to nearby Komi.
[edit] Religious Significance
Today there is a church on the cave of Saint Markella. The rock in which she was killed is said to spring holy water. Her nameday is on July 23nd [1] and on that day the sea is said to boil. The icon of Saint Markella is one of the most revered and is said to be miraculous.
[edit] Prayer
A special prayer is dedicated to Saint Markella: [2]
- "Rose of piety and sprout of Chios, we honor with canticles Saint Markella who was beheaded by her father's hand, as she guarded the commands of Christ, give strength and save from danger, us who cry unto you. Glory to Him who gave you strength, Glory to Him who crowned you. Glory to Him who works through you, healings for all the faithful."
[edit] Today
Many Orthodox Churches are dedicated to Saint Markella, especially by residents and former residents of Chios. These include the Cathedral of Saint Markella, in Astoria, New York. [3], where the Greek Orthodox Petros is based.
