Martyr
Matrona of Thessalonica
Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica (3rd-4th C)
New Calendar March 27 Old Calendar April 9
Why they are a saint
She was a servant of the Jewish wife of the governor of Thessalonica. When she refused to enter the synagogue with her mistress, she was beaten, then locked in a cell until she starved to death. Finally, her mistress ordered her body thrown from the roof of the house and left to lie in the open. Venerated as a martyr who died for the faith in Christ.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Matrona of Thessalonica as a patron when they bear the name Matrona at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 27. As a martyr, she is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Matrona of Thessalonica, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.