SKU: 40758752560

St. Chionia the Virgin- Martyr icon

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St. Chionia the Virgin- Martyr iconOrthodox icon of Saint Chionia, Xionia, , the Virgin Martyr of Illyria. Copy of a contemporary icon. Commemorated April 16. The Holy Martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chionia were sisters who lived at the end of the third century to the beginning of the fourth century, near the Italian city of Aquilea. They were left orphaned at an early age. The young women led a pious Christian life and they turned down many offers of marriage. Their spiritual guide was the

Orthodox icon of Saint Chionia, Xionia, Χιονία,  the Virgin- Martyr of Illyria. Copy of a contemporary icon.

Commemorated April 16.

The Holy Martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chionia were sisters who lived at the end of the third century to the beginning of the fourth century, near the Italian city of Aquilea. They were left orphaned at an early age.

The young women led a pious Christian life and they turned down many offers of marriage. Their spiritual guide was the priest Xeno. It was revealed to him in a vision that he would die very soon, and that the holy virgins would suffer martyrdom. Also at Aquilea and having a similar vision was the Great Martyr Anastasia (December 22), who is called “Deliverer from Potions,” because she fearlessly visited Christians in prison, encouraging them and healing them from potions, poisons, and other harmful things. The Great Martyr Anastasia visited the sisters and urged them to endure all things for Christ. Soon what was predicted in the vision came to pass. The priest Zeno died, and the three virgins were arrested and brought to trial before the emperor Diocletian (284-305).

Saint Chionia (“snow” in Greek) preserved the purity of her baptism according to the words of the Prophet-King David, “You will wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Ps. 50/51:7).

 

Seeing the youthful beauty of the sisters, the emperor urged them to deny Christ and he promised to find them illustrious bridegrooms from his entourage. The holy sisters replied that their only Bridegroom was Christ, for Whom they were ready to suffer. The emperor demanded they renounce Christ, but neither the elder sisters, nor the youngest, would consent. They called the pagan gods mere idols made by human hands, and they preached faith in the true God.

By order of Diocletian, who was leaving for Macedonia, the holy sisters were also to be brought there. And they brought them to the court of the governor Dulcititus.

When he saw the beauty of the holy martyrs, he was aroused with impure passion. He put the sisters under guard, and he told them that they would receive their freedom if they agreed to fulfill his desires. But the holy martyrs replied that they were prepared to die for their Heavenly Bridegroom, Christ.

Then Dulcititus decided to have his way by force. When the holy sisters arose at night to glorify the Lord in prayer, Dulcititus came to the door and tried to enter, but an invisible force prevented him. He staggered about, unable to find his way out. Then he fell down in the kitchen among the cooking utensils, the pots and pans, and he was covered all over with soot. The servants and the soldiers recognized him only with difficulty. When he saw himself in a mirror, he then realized that the holy martyrs had made a fool of him, and he decided to take his revenge on them.

At his court, Dulcititus gave orders to strip the holy martyrs. But the soldiers were not able to do this, no matter how much they tried. Their clothing seemed to be stuck to the bodies of the holy virgins. During the trial Dulcititus suddenly fell asleep, and no one could rouse him. Just as they carried him into his house, he immediately awoke.

When they reported to the emperor Diocletian everything that had happened, he became angry with Dulcititus and he gave the holy virgins over to Sisinius for trial. He began with the youngest sister, Irene. Seeing that she remained unyielding, he sent her to prison and then attempted to sway Saints Chionia and Agape. He also failed to make them renounce Christ, and Sisinius ordered that Saints Agape and Chionia be burned. On hearing the sentence, the sisters gave thanks to the Lord for their crowns of martyrdom. In the fire, Agape and Chionia surrendered their pure souls to the Lord.

When the fire went out, everyone saw that the bodies of the holy martyrs and their clothing had not been scorched by the fire, and their faces were beautiful and peaceful, as if they were asleep. On the day following, Sisinius gave orders to bring Saint Irene to court. He threatened her with the fate of her older sisters and he urged her to renounce Christ. Then he threatened to hand her over for defilement in a brothel. But the holy martyr answered, “Even if my body is defiled by force, my soul will never be defiled by renouncing Christ.”

When the soldiers of Sisinius led Saint Irene to the brothel, two luminous soldiers overtook them and said, “Your master Sisinius commands you to take this virgin to a high mountain and leave her there, and then return to him and report to him that you have fulfilled his command.” And the soldiers did so.

When they reported back to Sisinius, he flew into a rage, since he had given no such orders. The luminous soldiers were angels of God, saving the holy martyr from defilement. Sisinius went to the mountain with a detachment of soldiers and saw Saint Irene on the summit. For a long while they searched for the way to the top, but they could not find it. Then one of the soldiers wounded Saint Irene with an arrow. The martyr cried out to Sisinius, “I mock your impotent malice, and I go my Lord Jesus Christ pure and undefiled.” Having given thanks to the Lord, she lay down upon the ground and surrendered her soul to God on the very day of Holy Pascha (+ 304).

The Great Martyr Anastasia heard about the end of the holy sisters, and she buried their bodies with reverence.

Reference: O.C.A.

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SKU: 40758752560

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4.7 ★★★★★
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J.Eaton
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
What a ride.
Format: Paperback
How these two come together with the rest of the iconic characters is just so fun. Add in a Screaming Citadel and you're in for one hell of a ride. If you love Star Wars, pick it up. It could read as a stand-alone if needed. Part of the Doctor Aphra comics.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2022
B
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beasterson
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Absolutely top-knotch
Format: Kindle
9.5/10 This is the pinnacle of Star Wars comic books. A great way to tie in their Indiana Jones character in Aphra and the mainline series to tell an amazing story. Only complaint is a couple of the issues artwork I was not a fan of. I like the more realistic look. Just make sure you read Aphra book 1 and the previous SW books to understand it better. Aphra book 1 being more important
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Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2018
F
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Frank Gino
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Star Wars embraces fantasy
Format: Paperback
This is Star Wars at its' strangest, and that's a very good thing. Luke and co. fighting through what could easily be Dracula's castle is a truly unique experience. I don't wish to say more for fear of spoilers. As a note though you will get more out of this if you've been following the Star Wars and Dr. Aphra comics. However you can get by without that knowledge as well.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2017
D
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Doc Watson
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 3
Gothic Star Wars
Format: Paperback
This trade paperback collects all the issues for the Screaming Citadel story spread over several titles, including the main stay Star Wars series and the Dr Aphra book. As one might expect from a story spread over different titles with different artists and writers, the presentation varies. The art is all over the place. In the Marco Checchetto-drawn initial issue, everyone’s favorite amoral artifact hunter, Dr Aphra, is a striking space vixen. But in the following issues she’s hardly recognizable as the same character--mousier, if still menacing, in her trademark Russian tanker’s hat. To a lesser degree, the same is true for the other characters, including the main SW group. It’s understandable, but a bit disconcerting. The story centers on Dr Aphra, who, in need of a Jedi for one of her typically nefarious purposes, recruits Luke into her scheme. Unfortunately for Aphra, she’s up against a more ruthless foe in the harlequin-looking vampire-like Queen of the Screaming Citadel. Before long, the rest of the group has to show up to rescue them. It’s a gothic story, set in scary castle—not the usual Star Wars fare. There are some good points. Dr Aphra’s almost sociopathic outlook is always good for a few choice lines, the “murderous machines” Bee Tee and Triple Zero are on hand for their own gruesome commentary and some of the Queens hench-people, while not given much to do, are interestingly designed. But overall, the horror movies plotline didn’t seem much like Star Wars to me. Recommended for those who enjoy that type of story, or completists.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2018
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PWDecker
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 4
Luke and Doctor Aphra team up!
Format: Paperback
This is the second crossover event in the Marvel Star Wars comics. It brings the ongoing Doctor Aphra and Star Wars series together. I liked the pairing of Luke with Aphra. They play well off of each other with Luke's naive goodness and Aphra's experienced gray morality. I liked when she called him a wannabe padawan. There are some well designed characters in this comic. The residents of the Screaming Citadel have a goth bdsm vibe. Luke even gets to dress up. I liked seeing him in something different. I want to know more about Sana and Aphra's past!!! Please, Marvel, make a queer love story prequel!!! The murder droids are wonderful. Having them on the same side as the "good guys" for at least the time being led to some funny situations. The last panel intrigued me. I give this graphic novel a 4/5. I am always here for more Doctor Aphra!
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Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2017

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