Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, WA

Virgin-Martyrs Sts. Agape, Irene and Chione (304 AD) were young women from Saloniki. During Maximian's persecution they left their homes and went to live on a nearby mountain to follow lives of prayer, where they were arrested under Diocletian in late 303. When they were brought before the magistrate, they refused to eat sacrificial food and stated that they would prefer to die than do so. Agape and Chione, the older two, were sentenced to be burnt alive. Irene, because of her youth, was sentenced to imprisonment. After the death of the other two, Irene was again cross-examined and admitted that she possessed books of the Scriptures and refused once again to eat sacrificial food. She was sentenced to be sent naked into the soldiers' brothel, however , no man dared to approach her. She too was eventually burnt alive. This was recorded in her Acts as April 1, but the feast of the Virgin-Martyrs is on April 16.

Dismissal Hymn (Plagal of the First Tone)

Since You have given us the miracles of Your holy Martyrs as an invincible battlement, by their entreaties scatter the counsels of the heathen, O Christ our God, and strengthen the faith of Orthodox Christians, since You alone are good and the Friend of man.

Kontakion (Third Tone)

O Most fair Chionia, divine Irene, and Agape, you are mirrors glittering with spotless virginal brightness; and you shine like lightning upon the whole Church with the splendour of your contest as valiant Martyrs; and you drive away the darkness of pain and sickness as brilliant gems of Christ God.



	Virgin-Martyrs Sts Agape, Irene and Chione Commemorated April 16 Virgin-Martyrs Sts. Agape, Irene and Chione (304 AD) were young women from Saloniki. During Maximian's persecution they left their homes and went to live on a nearby mountain to follow lives of prayer, where they were arrested under Diocletian in late 303. When they were brought before the magistrate, they refused to eat sacrificial food and stated that they would prefer to die than do so. Agape and Chione, the older two, were sentenced to be burnt alive. Irene, because of her youth, was sentenced to imprisonment. After the death of the other two, Irene was again cross-examined and admitted that she possessed books of the Scriptures and refused once again to eat sacrificial food. She was sentenced to be sent naked into the soldiers' brothel, however , no man dared to approach her. She too was eventually burnt alive. This was recorded in her Acts as April 1, but the feast of the Virgin-Martyrs is on April 16. Dismissal Hymn (Plagal of the First Tone) Since You have given us the miracles of Your holy Martyrs as an invincible battlement, by their entreaties scatter the counsels of the heathen, O Christ our God, and strengthen the faith of Orthodox Christians, since You alone are good and the Friend of man. Kontakion (Third Tone) O Most fair Chionia, divine Irene, and Agape, you are mirrors glittering with spotless virginal brightness; and you shine like lightning upon the whole Church with the splendour of your contest as valiant Martyrs; and you drive away the darkness of pain and sickness as brilliant gems of Christ God.

Virgin-Martyrs Sts Agape, Irene and Chione