Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Kyriaki the Great Martyr in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint Kyriaki was born in Nicomedia of Asia Minor in the 4th century AD. by devout Christians. Her parents prayed incessantly to God to give them a child, as it did. They gave birth to a beautiful girl who was named Kyriaki because of the day she was born. From a very young age she decided to dedicate her life to the service of Christ. Her parents martyred by beheading when began the persecution of Christians by Diocletian.

Saint Kyriaki was orphaned and was taken to the lord of Bithynia Hilarianos for questioning. He tried with flattery to make her renounce Christ, but the Saint remained steadfast in her faith. She was severely tortured and before she was beheaded, she surrendered her soul to God. Saint Kyriaki is the patron saint of the Servia of Kozani and protector of breastfeeding. Her memory is celebrated by our Church on July 7 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Kyriaki the Great Martyr

Fourth Tone

O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lamb doth cry with a great voice: O my Bridegroom, Thee I love; and seeking Thee, I now contest, and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried. I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee: accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice. Lord, save our souls through her intercessions, since Thou art great in mercy.