Saint Apollonia, virgin and martyr

During the six years that Philip the Arab ruled the empire, there was a lull in the persecution of Christianity. In the last year, however, an Alexandrian charlatan, soothsayer and bad poet, excited the population against the Christians. This resulted in flogging and stoning. However, it is important to remember that this was not an official persecution.

The History of Santa Apolonia

During this episode, the pagans took an elderly virgin named Apollonia and tormented her in various ways. They cut off her breasts and pulled out her teeth. Then they built a fire and threatened to throw her into the fire if she didn't blaspheme. The saint then asked them to leave her free for a moment. They released her, and she ran alone to the fire.

This attitude has generated controversy, as it is an apparent suicide. No more information was found about Apolônia's life, but there is a legend that tells about a young girl who converted to Christianity, whose father was a pagan and killed her.

Cult of Saint Apollonia

Despite the controversy surrounding her death, the cult of Saint Apollonia soon spread throughout the East and West. Churches dedicated to her appeared in several European cities. In Rome, a church was built next to Santa Maria in Tras-tevere, which no longer exists today.

In addition to devotion, Apollonia is invoked to treat toothaches. It is important to highlight that his example of generous offering to Christ is well known and popular.