February 19th-St.Philothei of Athens

Saint Philothei (1522-1589), born Regoula Venizelos, was born in Athens to an illustrious and wealthy family. Against her will, she was married to a cruel man. When he died three years later, the Saint gave away her worldly belongings, took up the monastic life under the name of Philothei (meaning she who is a friend of God) and established a convent, in which she became a mother to her disciples. Many women enslaved and abused by the Muslim Turks in harems also ran to her for refuge. Because of this, in 1589, the Turkish occupants became enraged and came to her convent and dragged her by force out of the church. They beat her cruelly and after a few days, she died. You may read more about her life here.

Apolytikion

The Faithful of Athens and all the world
honor Philothei the martyred nun
and rejoice in her holy relics.
For she has exchanged this passing life
for the life that knows no end
through her struggle and martyrdom;
and she begs the Savior to have mercy on us all.