Saints Agape, Chionia and Irene

Saints Agape, Chionia and Irene were sisters who lived in northern Italy. The Emperor Diocletian wanted the three young women to leave the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ and give honor to man made idols.  When Irene answered, "How stupid it is to worship things made of stone and wood..." the Emperor was enraged and wanted not only for them to die for defying him, but to take away their virginity.  However, by the grace of God, they were granted the honor of dying for the sake of their faith in Christ and remained virgins. Saints Agape, Chionia and Irene were martyred in Thessalonica in 295AD. In ancient Greek "Agape" means "love," "Chionia" means "pure white" and "Irene" means "peace." We honor these Holy Virgin Martyrs on April 16. Holy Virgins, Agape, Chionia and Irene, make us strong to avoid putting man made things before our love of Christ.  May our Lord guard and protect us from the evil intentions of those who seek to harm our bodies and our souls.  Amen.