St Marina the Great Martyr

St. Marina the Great Martyr Feast Day and Greek Name Day

St. Marina the Great Martyr is honored in the Orthodox Christian Church as a Christian martyr known for her courage and unwavering faith during the persecutions of the Roman Empire. Her feast day is celebrated on July 17, and on this day people named Marina, Marinos, Marika, Marilena, Marietta, and Rina, among other variations, celebrate their Greek name day.

Who Was St. Marina

St. Marina the Great Martyr lived during the 3rd century in the region of Pisidia in Asia Minor. She was the daughter of a pagan priest but was raised in the Christian faith by a woman who cared for her after her mother died.

From a young age she became deeply devoted to Christianity.

Faith During Persecution

During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, Christians were persecuted across the Roman Empire. When the local governor learned that Marina was a Christian, she was arrested and ordered to renounce her faith.

She refused to abandon Christianity and remained steadfast in her devotion to Christ.

Martyrdom

According to Christian tradition, St. Marina endured severe torture because she would not deny her faith. Despite the suffering she faced, she continued to profess her belief in Christ.

She was eventually executed for her faith, and the Church honors her as a Great Martyr.

Greek Name Day for Marina

Because St. Marina the Great Martyr is commemorated on July 17, this date is also the Greek name day for:

Marina

Marinos

Marika

Marilena

Marietta

Rina

In Greek culture, celebrating a name day is often just as important as celebrating a birthday. Friends and family commonly offer well wishes or visits to honor the person whose name is being celebrated.

When St. Marina Is Celebrated

The feast day of St. Marina the Great Martyr is observed each year on July 17 in the Greek Orthodox Church. She is remembered for her courage and unwavering faith during the persecutions of early Christianity.