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St. Cyprian and St. Justina
(Source: the Coptic Synxarium)
A Magician
Cyprianus was an infidel and a magician. He learned magic in the
countries of northwest Africa until he excelled over his fellows. His
excessive impudence and his arrogance made him go to Antioch to
challenge the magicians there and to pride himself over them of his
knowledge.
When he arrived there, his fame spread. A young man, the son of one of
the nobles of the city, heard about him. This young man lusted for a Christian virgin who was
called Justina. He saw her
going to church and his heart became inflamed with her love. He was
unable to obtain what he desired of her either by money, threat, or magic.
He sought Cyprian and complained to him about his condition, that he
might make him gain favor with Justina's heart and fulfill his desire of her. Cyprian promised him
the fulfillment of his desire.
St. Justina the Righteous
Cyptian the magician used all the trickery of his sorcery but failed.
Every time he sent Justina a host of demons, they found her praying, so
they came back defeated. When Cyprian failed, he called the demons and told them, "If you do not
bring Justina to me, I
shall adopt Christianity."
The chief of the demons thought out a device to deceive him. He ordered
one of his soldiers to disguise himself and to take the form of Justina
and then go to Cyprian. He hastened and made it known to Cyprian her
coming, so he rejoiced and waited for her. Then Satan, disguised as
Justina, came to him, and Cyprianus rejoiced, and rose up to embrace
her. Because of his great joy in her, he told her, "Welcome, Queen of
Women, Justina."
Upon the mere mention of her name, Satan, disguised as her, melted away
and disappeared like smoke, and an unpleasant smell spread out of him. Cyprianus knew that
this was a deceitful trick of Satan who could not stand before the mentioning of her name.
St. Cypriam Believes
Immediately Cyprian rose up and burnt his books of magic. He was
baptized by the patriarch of Antioch who put on him the monastic garb. After a while he ordained him
a deacon, then a priest. Later on, after he had grown in virtues and in the doctrine of the
church, they ordained him bishop of Carthage in the year 351 A.D.
St. Cyprian took St. Justina and made her the head of a convent there.
When the Ecumenical Council convened at Carthage, this saint was one of
those who attended it.
Their Martyrdom
When Emperor Decius heard of them he had them brought before him, and he
demanded them to raise incense for the idols. When they refused, he
inflicted upon them many tortures and finally cut
off their heads with the sword on the 21st day of Tute in the year 257
A.D.
Their prayers be with us, and Glory be to our God, forever. Amen. |
