Saint Apollonia, Virgin and Martyr
Saint Apollonia was a Christian martyr who suffered in Alexandria, Egypt, during the violent persecution of Christians in the year 249 AD, under Emperor Decius. She is especially venerated as the patron saint of dentists and those suffering from toothaches, owing to the nature of her martyrdom.
Life and Martyrdom
During a brutal uprising against Christians in Alexandria, the pagan mobs captured many faithful and subjected them to cruel torments. Among them was Apollonia, an elderly Christian virgin who had dedicated her life to God. The persecutors, filled with hatred for the Faith, shattered her teeth with stones and forcibly extracted others as a form of torment.
After enduring this torture, she was given a terrible choice: renounce Christ or be burned alive. Rather than betray her Lord, Saint Apollonia willingly leapt into the flames, embracing martyrdom with unshakable faith. Witnesses were astounded by her courage and devotion.
Saint Apollonia became one of the most invoked saints for those suffering from toothaches and dental ailments. In sacred art, she is often depicted:
- Holding a golden tooth or a pair of pincers with a tooth in them, symbolizing her suffering.
- Carrying a palm branch as a sign of her martyrdom
Her Feast Day is 9 February
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