Holy Martyr Zinaida. Name days

It's a pity, but today, in our time, Zinaida's name has lost its appeal, and in fact it was once very popular. Beginning with a detailed study of the topic: "Zinaida: name days, the meaning of a name", let's start with the fact that from the Greek language this word is translated as "belonging to Zeus", "born of Zeus" or "divine daughter". However, speaking of church representatives, this was the name of a close relative of the apostle Paul, who was ranked as saint and was known as Zinaida of Tarsus. There was one more Christian martyr - Zinaida, the Cesarean Wonderworker. About them and we'll talk just below.

Holy Zinaida: birthday and martyr's feat

Unfortunately, little is known about the life of Saint Zinaida of Caesarea. It was a Palestinian martyr and a miracle worker who died in about 284 - 305, when people were tortured for preaching the creeds of Christ. They were eventually burned at the stake, executed by cutting off the head or crucifixion on the cross. The life and death of Zinaida of Caesarea is associated with other Christian martyrs - Maria, Kyriakia, Kaleria. Holy Zinaida, whose name-day is celebrated on June 7 (20), like many Christian martyrs, did not renounce the faith in Christ, even in spite of all the hard trials that fell to her lot. And the more people were executed, the more they were converted.

Early Christian Saints

Another famous holy martyr - Zinaida of Tarsus, lived in the first century. She preached Christianity and was engaged in medical activities. She was brutally beaten with stones, but more on that later. Name day Zinaida Tarsi Orthodox people celebrate on October 11 (24).

So, according to the lives of the saints, Zinaida and her sister Filonila were born in Tarsus, the Kilikia region, in Asia Minor (now modern Turkey) and were close relatives of the apostle Paul. He originally bore the name of Saul and was not one of the twelve apostles, and in his early youth was even the persecutor of the first Christians. However, after meeting with the risen Jesus Christ, his views changed, and he accepted the apostolic mission. Thanks to him, many Christian communities were established in Asia Minor and the Balkan Peninsula. He was to write down the main texts of Christian theology, which constitute a significant part of the Gospel.

Unchangeable love of God

So, seeing what great changes happened to Paul, after he turned to Christ and became the preacher of His faith, the young maidens also thought about the meaning of life, about the vanity of the world and with all their souls were inflamed with love for Christ.

After the sermon of Paul, they left their home and mother forever, renouncing all earthly goods and property, began to live in a cave near the city of Dimitriada, in the north of their native city of Tarsa.

Zinaida and Filonila began to walk through towns and villages and began preaching the holy gospel, taking upon themselves the apostolic work.

In the story it is stated that Zinaida was a doctor and treated the poor people for free. Many people were drawn to them in the cave. God did not want to hide them from people who increasingly needed their help and service. Virgos taught people the right way and led to the Christian faith. They healed the people not only from physical diseases, but from spiritual ulcers. Zinaida healed a great deal, and Filonila paid attention to her post, vigils and performed various miracles.

Zinaida: birthday for the church calendar

People, seeing such a great grace in these Christian virgins, from the Gentiles turned into Christians. It is not known exactly how many time Zinaida and Filonila conducted such asceticism, but the pagans who lived nearby could not calmly look at everything that was happening. As a result, their idol temples began to empty out, and the worship of the old gods was diminished. No matter how persuaded, no matter how intimidated they were, they did not back away from their holy cause. And then, having completely grown angry with anger, the pagans came to them in a cave and stoned them to death. Very selflessly and courageously the sisters took a terrible martyr's death.

Holy Zinaida, whose namesday is celebrated on October 11 (11), together with her sister, and today, with the diligent prayer of the supplicant, help with every spiritual and physical infirmity.