Saints Cyprian and Justina

Saints Cyprian and Justina are honored as martyrs in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Oriental Orthodoxy. They were Christians from Antioch who suffered martyrdom at Nicomedia (modern-day İzmit, Turkey) on September 26, 304, during the Diocletianic Persecution.

Saint Cyprian was originally a pagan magician who converted to Christianity after encountering the steadfast faith of Justina. Justina was a Christian virgin who resisted Cyprian's attempts to use sorcery to win her over. Inspired by her faith, Cyprian renounced his magical practices, converted to Christianity, and eventually became a bishop. Both were martyred for their faith.

Cyprian was originally a heathen magician of Antioch who had dealings with demons. He later converted to Christianity and became a staunch defender of the faith. Justina was a Christian virgin who converted Cyprian to Christianity through her steadfast faith and prayers. Together, they are considered the patron saints of those afflicted by spells, curses, witchcraft, and magic. St. Cyprian is also credited with writing some of the exorcism prayers of the Orthodox Church.

Their story is one of the fullest accounts in Christian literature of sorcery and its power over men, and its final defeat by the power of Christ.

Saint Cyprian was originally a magician and sorcerer in Antioch. He was known for his expertise in astrology and sorcery, having traveled through Greece, Egypt, and India to enhance his knowledge. Cyprian was approached by a pagan lawyer who sought his help to win the love of Justina, a young Christian woman who had taken private vows of chastity. Despite Cyprian's attempts to use magic and demons to influence Justina, she remained steadfast in her faith, relying on prayer and fasting.

Impressed by Justina's unwavering faith and the power of the "Sign of Christ," Cyprian eventually converted to Christianity. He burned his books of spells and sorcery, was baptized, and became a deacon, priest, and later a bishop. Justina became the abbess of a convent.

Saint Justina was known for her purity and dedication to her faith. She played a crucial role in Cyprian's conversion by resisting his magical attacks and demonstrating the power of Christian faith.

Both Cyprian and Justina were arrested and tortured during the Diocletianic Persecution. They were scourged, torn apart, and thrown into heated tar. Finally, they were beheaded in Nicomedia (modern-day İzmit, Turkey) on September 26, 304 AD, receiving the crown of martyrdom.

Their story is a powerful testament to the triumph of faith over sorcery and the transformative power of Christianity.

: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprian_and_Justina)
: [Orthodoxinfo](http://orthodoxinfo.com/death/cyprian_justina.aspx)
: [Wikiwand](https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Saint_Justina_of_Padua)
: [Antioch Patriarchate](https://www.antiochpatriarchate.org/en/page/the-holy-hieromartyr-cyprian-and-the-virgin-martyr-justina/779)