Saint Irene lived on the Greek island of Mytilene and was the daughter of the village mayor.
She was only twelve years old when she was killed by the Turks, on the Tuesday following Pascha, in 1463. Irene was tortured and then burned alive on April 9.
Saint Irene is nearly always shown in icons with Saints Raphael and Nicholas, also murdered on the island of Mytilene.
The ancient Greek name "Irene" means "peace."
We honor this Holy Virgin Martyr on the Tuesday of Bright Week, that is, the Tuesday after Pascha, and also on April 9.
Holy Virgin Martyr Irene, pray for God to have mercy on us. May we be prepared to die for Christ no matter how old or how young we may be. Amen.
