Akylina (September 27)

Akylina (September 27)

Saint Akylina came from the village of Zagliveri in Thessaloniki and was raised by pious parents. Her father, however, killed a Turk, after a fight with him. To avoid the death penalty, he accepted Islam. But her mother remained steadfast in Christ and every day taught Aquilina virtue and faith. Despite her father's persistent efforts and the threats of the Turks, Akylina did not deny Christ. When she was led to martyrdom, her mother followed her, who urged her to it. Aquilina bravely controlled the Turks and their religion, as a result of which she died a martyr's death.