Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina was born around the year 280 in the city of Colastra, Cappadocia. Her father, Saint Zebulon, came from a noble Christian family and was a brave military leader who participated in campaigns against the enemies of Rome. He converted many Franks to Christianity, demonstrating miracles of mercy.
Saint Nina's mother, Saint Sosanna, was the sister of the Patriarch of Jerusalem. After marrying Zebulon, they moved to Cappadocia, where Nina was born. Sosanna raised her daughter in the service of the poor.
When Nina turned 12, the family moved to Jerusalem, where Zebulon distributed all his possessions to the poor and went to live with the hermits. Sosanna remained with Nina, serving in the temple of the Holy Sepulchre. The exact time of the death of Saints Zebulon and Sosanna is unknown.
