Markella of Chios

The holy and glorious Virgin-martyr Markella of Chios (also Marcella) is the patron saint of Chios and was born and lived in the village of Volissos of Chios. Her feast day is celebrated on July 22.

History

Markella was born and lived in the village of Volissos of Chios and lived during the fourteenth century. Her mother was a devout christian but her father was an idolater. At a young age, her mother passed away and Markella continued to study her bible, pray to God and live a life according to what she was taught.

Her father began to have sinful desires for Markella. By the time she had reached her eighteenth birthday, her father's desires had begun to show and his behaviour resulted in Markella leaving home. She went to a nearby mountain and hid in a bush. Her father found her, with the help of a local herdsmen and they set fire to the bush to force her to show.

Markella ran to the sea to escape but her father aimed an arrow at her and wounded her. The blood of the saint dyed the rocks and local legend shows an area that is still marked by her blood.

Her final moments were spent in prayer to Christ with a request that the rocks would open for her to hide from her father and this happened. Everything but her head was covered so when her father found her, he cut of her head and threw it into the sea. Her head floated to the nearby beach of Komi.

Holy water is said to spring from the rocks that mark Markella's martyrdom and this place is visited by pilgrims. On the 22nd of July, when her memory is honoured, the water of the sea near this area boils during the prayers of the Paraklisis honouring the saint.

Hymns

Rose of piety and sprout of Chios, we honour with canticles Saint Markella who was beheaded by her father's hand, as she guarded the commands of Christ, give strength and save from danger, us who cry unto you. Glory to Him who gave you strength, glory to Him who crowned you. Glory to Him who works through you, healings for all the faithful.

See also

• Metropolis of Chios

External links

• Martyr Marcella of Chios (OCA)
• Markella, the Virgin-martyr of Chios (GOARCH)
• The Holy-Female Martyr Marcella (Prologue of Ohrid)
• The Life of Saint Markella, The Patron Saint of Chios
• The Holy Shrine of St. Marcella
• Volissos - Saint Markella