Agathoclia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Agathoclia
Miniature from the Menologion of Basil II
Died	c. 230 AD
Venerated in	Eastern Orthodoxy Roman Catholic Church
Feast	September 17
Patronage	Mequinenza, Aragon

Saint Agathoclia (also called Agathocleia) was a brave Christian woman who lived a long time ago, around 230 AD. She is honored as a special protector, or patron saint, of a town called Mequinenza in Aragon, Spain. People celebrate her on September 17 each year.

Her Story

Agathoclia was a Christian slave. Her owners, Nicolas and Paulina, used to be Christians but had changed their beliefs to paganism. Paganism means worshipping many gods or nature, instead of just one God.

Nicolas and Paulina treated Agathoclia very badly. They would whip her and hurt her. They did this to try and make her give up her Christian faith. But Agathoclia was very strong and always refused to change her beliefs.

Her owners then took her to a public trial in front of a local judge. Even there, she bravely refused to stop being a Christian. Because of this, the authorities hurt her badly. She was found guilty, and her punishment included having her tongue cut out. This injury was painful but did not kill her.

There are different stories about how Agathoclia died. Some people say that her mistress, Paulina, poured burning coals on her neck. Other stories say that Agathoclia herself was thrown into a fire.

How She Is Honored

The town of Mequinenza in Spain celebrates special festivals for Saint Agathoclia. They simply call her "La Santa," which means "The Saint." These celebrations happen every year from September 16 to 20.

There is also a special group in the town called a confraternity. This group is dedicated to honoring Saint Agathoclia and keeping her memory alive.

See Also

In Spanish: Agatoclia para niños

• List of enslaved people