Holy Martyr Euthalius

Life

This holy Euthalius was a virgin of Sicily, and she had a mother of the same name and a brother named Sermilianus. All were unbaptized and pagan. The elder Euthalius suffered from a flow of blood. In a dream the holy martyrs Agapheus, Adelphus, and Cyryl (see May 10) appeared to her and told her she would be healed, but only if she were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Euthalius believed in Christ, was baptized, and indeed recovered. Seeing this miracle, her daughter also was baptized. Sermilianus, however, began to mock his mother and sister for the Christian faith, and then to threaten them. The mother took fright and fled the house. Then the brother began to persecute his sister. But the sister was not afraid, for Christ was dearer to her than her brother, and she said to Sermilianus: "I am a Christian and I am not afraid to die." The wicked brother sent a servant to her to dishonor her. But when the servant attacked Saint Euthalius, he lost his sight. The evil brother saw this miracle but remained hard of heart. He pursued his sister, seized her, and cut off her head, in the manner of Cain. Thus the holy virgin Euthalius was crowned with the crown of eternal glory. And thus on this occasion too was fulfilled the word of Christ the Lord, that He had brought a sword among men which divides those related by blood but not related by faith (Matt. 10:34-35).