Saint Martha was born in Antioch and was raised in a devout Christian family. Although she longed to dedicate her life entirely to Christ, in obedience to the divine will she married, became a mother, and raised Saint Symeon. After the death of her husband, she devoted herself wholly to her son’s upbringing, praying unceasingly to the Lord. The saint attended church daily, received the Holy Communion, and practiced charity, helping the poor and those in need.
Once, during prayer, Saint John the Baptist appeared to her and assured her that he would intercede for her before God. Then, a year before her death, she experienced a second revelation, through which she got to know that she would soon depart from this world.
Saint Martha went to Saint Symeon to receive his blessing. She foretold her death and, after bidding farewell to her son, returned to Antioch, where she soon surrendered her soul to the Lord. Her body was buried near the pillar where the saint practiced his ascetic life. By God’s grace many miracles were performed there.
The face of the saint remained pure and incorrupt in her holy relic, shining with beauty. Many people visited her tomb, receiving healing and consolation.
