Aquilina

Aquilina (281–293) was a Christian child from Byblos who suffered martyrdom under Emperor Diocletian in the third century.

Introduction Between 63 BC and AD 330, Byblos was under Roman rule, and although Christianity existed in Byblos from the time of the Apostles, Christians were a minority among the majority of pagans. During their rule, the Romans not only strengthened the worship of idols, but some of their governors actively persecuted the Christians.

Life St. Aquilina, a native of the Phoenician city of Byblos. Her father's name was Eutolmius. She was raised in Christian piety by her parents. She received her catechism from Evthalios, Bishop of Byblos. When she was only twelve years old, she persuaded a pagan friend to convert to Christ through her example and teachings.

One of the servants of Governor Volusian accused her of teaching others to reject paganism. She was taken before the governor where she firmly confessed her belief in Christ and said that she would not renounce Him. Volusian tried to influence her through persuasion and flattery, but seeing her confidence, he ordered her to be tortured.

She was struck upon the face, then stripped and flogged.