St. Margareta

Saint Margaret of Antioch

Saint Margaret of Antioch, called Marina of Antioch in the Orthodox tradition, is one of the most beloved figures of medieval Christian devotion and belongs to the group of the famous Fourteen Holy Helpers.

She is considered a particularly powerful saint because, according to tradition, she defeated a dragon, just like Saint George.

Although historical information about her life is limited, her devotion spread rapidly throughout Europe, especially during the Middle Ages.

According to legend, Margaret was born in Antioch, present-day Antakya in Turkey, into a pagan family.

Her father was a pagan priest, while her mother died when Margaret was still very young.

She was therefore entrusted to a Christian nurse who secretly educated her in the Christian faith.

When her father discovered his daughter’s conversion, he unsuccessfully tried to persuade her to abandon Christianity through threats and pleas.

Seeing that the young woman remained steadfast in her faith, he brought her before the governor Olybrius.

The governor was deeply impressed by Margaret’s extraordinary beauty and wished to take her as his wife.

He promised her wealth, power and life in the imperial palace if she would renounce the Christian faith.

Margaret firmly refused, declaring that her only spouse was Jesus Christ.

Furious at her refusal, Olybrius ordered that she be imprisoned and subjected to cruel public tortures.

According to tradition, she was hung by her hair, scourged and tortured with iron combs that tore her flesh.

After the torture she was imprisoned again, where a terrible dragon suddenly appeared and attempted to devour her.

With her last strength, Saint Margaret drove the monster away through the power of the cross.

When she was brought again before the governor the following day, all her wounds had miraculously healed.

This miracle deeply impressed the people, and many decided to convert to Christianity.

Fearing further conversions, the governor immediately ordered the young woman’s execution by beheading.

Before her death, Saint Margaret invited all persecuted Christians to invoke her name in times of difficulty.

She died as a martyr around 300 A.D., and later a church was built over her tomb in Antioch.

Together with Saint Barbara and Saint Catherine of Alexandria, she belongs to the group of the famous “Holy Virgins.”

During the Middle Ages, devotion to Saint Margaret was especially widespread among peasants and families.

Iconography: Saint Margaret is depicted with a dragon, crucifix, crown, torch, iron comb, palm or book, often together with Saint Barbara and Saint Catherine.

Feast day: July 20.

Patronage: Of virgins, wives, women in childbirth, nurses, shepherds and invoked for difficult childbirths, fertility, healing of wounds and against sterility.