Virgin Martyr Mastridia of Alexandria
Venerable
The Venerable Mistridia lived in Alexandria, Egypt, having taken a vow of virginity and observing fasting and silence. She remained in constant prayer. The purity of her life was put to the test when a young man, captivated by her beauty, began to pursue her, forcing the saint to refrain from leaving her house even to go to church. Sorrowing that she had unwittingly led the young man into temptation and wishing for his salvation, the saint invited him into her home. Learning that he was particularly enchanted by her beautiful eyes, the Venerable one, with complete self-denial, gouged them out with a shuttle with which she wove cloth. Having freed herself and the young man from temptation, Saint Mistridia led him to repentance, and he, having accepted monasticism, lived as a strict ascetic. The Venerable Mistridia completed her life in labors for the Lord.