Irene the Great Martyr
Long venerated in the East and considered fictional in the West, St. Irene is said to have been the daughter of Licinius and to have been educated in secular matters by Apellian, who after converting to Christianity wrote her passio. Angels are said to have instructed Irene in the Christian faith, and Timothy is said to have baptized her. Angered at her conversion, her father arranged to have her trampled by horses in the arena. The horse killed Lincinius instead, and when her prayers revived him, he, his family, and many in the stadium converted. She is also said to have performed other miracles that led to the conversion of thousands. She and her family were martyred at Ephesus by the Proprætor Ampelius under Domitian or Trajan. Constantine founded one of the three early churches dedicated to her memory.
Karen Rae Keck
including the header and this copyright remain intact.