Saints Cyprian and Justina

Fr. Scott Haynes

Introduction

Saints Cyprian and Justina are early Christian saints venerated in both the Eastern and Western Churches, renowned for their steadfast faith and their dramatic conversion story, which has inspired generations of believers. Cyprian was a pagan magician and philosopher who became a Christian through the influence of the devout young woman, Justina, whose virtue and faith in Christ withstood Cyprian's dark arts. Their lives highlight themes of repentance, spiritual warfare, and the power of God's grace over evil.

 

The Life of Saint Cyprian

 

Cyprian was born in the city of Antioch (modern-day Syria) in the 3rd century. He was highly educated, excelling in Greek philosophy, astrology, and the occult arts. He became a renowned pagan priest and sorcerer, devoting himself to studying the powers of darkness and invoking demons for personal gain. Through these practices, Cyprian gained great influence and a fearsome reputation. As a sorcerer, he was known for his ability to perform supernatural feats and manipulate the forces of nature, using his skills for both good and ill depending on who sought his aid.

 

Cyprian’s life took a drastic turn when he was approached by a young man named Aglaidas. Aglaidas had fallen in love with a Christian virgin named Justina and was consumed with lust for her. After being rejected multiple times by Justina, Aglaidas turned to Cyprian, seeking his help to cast a spell that would win Justina's love. Cyprian, confident in his power, accepted the task and invoked numerous demons to overcome Justina’s will. However, every attempt he made was thwarted.

 

The Life of Saint Justina

 

Saint Justina was a young Christian woman of extraordinary virtue, born into a pagan family in Antioch. She converted to Christianity after hearing a sermon by a local bishop. Her zeal for Christ was so fervent that she persuaded her parents to abandon their pagan beliefs and embrace the Christian faith as well. Justina dedicated her life to prayer, fasting, and chastity, seeking to remain pure in body and spirit as she devoted herself entirely to Christ.

 

Justina was known for her beauty, but she had resolved to remain a virgin and dedicate her life to God. When Aglaidas sought her hand in marriage, she refused him repeatedly, placing her faith in God’s protection. When Cyprian’s dark arts were used against her, Justina turned to prayer and the sign of the cross to protect herself from the demonic forces. Each time Cyprian sent demons to tempt or torment her, Justina's prayers and faith in Christ triumphed, and the demons were powerless to harm her. Her steadfastness was a testimony to the power of Christian faith over the forces of evil.

 

Cyprian's Conversion

 

Cyprian, frustrated by his inability to conquer Justina’s will through sorcery, became curious about the God she worshipped. He was astounded that the powerful demons he had long commanded were unable to overcome the strength of Justina's prayers. When he inquired of the demons why they could not defeat her, they replied that they had no power over those who bore the sign of the cross and invoked the name of Christ. This revelation shook Cyprian to his core. He realized that the power of Christ was far greater than any magic or sorcery he had practiced.

 

In a moment of grace, Cyprian renounced his pagan ways and turned to Christianity. He sought out a priest, confessed his sins, and was baptized into the faith. Cyprian’s conversion was not only an intellectual acknowledgment of the truth of Christianity but also a profound act of repentance for his previous life of sin. He burned all his books of magic and sorcery, publicly denouncing his former practices. This act symbolized his complete rejection of his past and his desire to live a life of holiness.

 

Justina, recognizing the sincerity of Cyprian's conversion, forgave him, and the two became spiritual allies in the fight against evil. Cyprian eventually became a deacon, then a priest, and finally a bishop. Justina continued her life of prayer and became the abbess of a convent, leading many young women in the Christian life.

 

Their Martyrdom

 

Saints Cyprian and Justina lived during a time of intense persecution against Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. When Cyprian’s influence as a Christian leader grew, he and Justina were both arrested and brought before the authorities. They were given the choice to renounce their faith and offer sacrifice to the pagan gods or face death. Both refused to deny Christ.

 

Justina was subjected to harsh torture, but she bore her suffering with grace, continually praying for strength. Her unwavering faith was a source of inspiration for many who witnessed her martyrdom. Cyprian, too, was tortured for his faith, and despite his previous life as a pagan sorcerer, he now stood firm in his love for Christ. His transformation from a servant of darkness to a servant of the Light was complete.

 

Finally, they were both sentenced to death by beheading. Cyprian and Justina were led to the place of execution, where they encouraged one another to remain strong in the faith. With great courage, they faced their martyrdom, knowing that their reward awaited them in heaven.

 

Virtues of Saints Cyprian and Justina

 

The lives of Saints Cyprian and Justina are marked by several key virtues that stand as a model for Christians:

 

1. Faith: Both saints exhibited unwavering faith in Christ. Justina’s faith was so strong that it protected her from the attacks of the demons, while Cyprian’s faith led him to renounce his former life and embrace Christianity fully.

 

2. Repentance: Cyprian’s conversion is one of the most powerful stories of repentance in the Christian tradition. Despite his deep involvement in sorcery, he was able to turn away from his sins and begin a new life in Christ. His repentance was sincere, as demonstrated by his destruction of his books of magic and his willingness to suffer for the faith.

 

3. Chastity: Justina’s commitment to chastity is one of the central themes of her life. She resisted all attempts to seduce her, remaining faithful to her vow of virginity and her dedication to God. Her purity of heart and body was a testament to her deep love for Christ.

 

4. Courage: Both saints showed great courage in the face of persecution and martyrdom. They did not waver in their commitment to Christ, even when faced with torture and death. Their bravery inspired many others to remain steadfast in their faith during times of persecution.

 

5. Perseverance in Prayer: Justina’s constant recourse to prayer was her greatest weapon against the forces of darkness. She relied on prayer and the sign of the cross to protect herself from demonic attacks, showing the power of perseverance in prayer.

 

Miracles Attributed to Saints Cyprian and Justina

 

Several miracles have been attributed to Saints Cyprian and Justina both during their lives and after their martyrdom. One of the most famous miracles occurred during the time when Cyprian was still a sorcerer. As he attempted to send demons to seduce and torment Justina, she repelled them by making the sign of the cross and invoking the name of Jesus Christ. This event not only demonstrated the power of Christ over the forces of evil but also led to Cyprian’s eventual conversion.

 

After their martyrdom, many miracles were reported at the site of their burial. Pilgrims who came to pray at their tomb experienced healing from illnesses and deliverance from demonic possession. Their relics were revered throughout the Christian world, and their intercession was sought by those struggling with temptations and spiritual attacks.

 

One notable miracle attributed to their intercession occurred during a period of intense plague in Antioch. The faithful prayed for the protection of the city through the intercession of Saints Cyprian and Justina, and the plague miraculously ceased. This miracle strengthened the faith of the people and deepened their devotion to the saints.

 

Legacy and Veneration

 

The legacy of Saints Cyprian and Justina continues to inspire Christians to this day. They are venerated as powerful intercessors, particularly for those struggling with temptations, spiritual warfare, and demonic oppression. Their feast day is celebrated on September 26 in the Eastern Orthodox Church and on September 26 or 27 in the Roman Catholic Church, depending on the liturgical calendar.

 

Churches and monasteries dedicated to Saints Cyprian and Justina can be found throughout the world, especially in the Eastern Christian tradition. Their story is often recounted as a powerful example of conversion, repentance, and the triumph of good over evil through the grace of God.

 

Conclusion

 

Saints Cyprian and Justina exemplify the transformative power of God's grace, the strength of faith, and the victory of Christ over the powers of darkness. Cyprian's conversion from a life steeped in paganism and magic to becoming a bishop and martyr shows the possibility of redemption for even the most hardened sinners. Justina’s unwavering commitment to her faith and chastity serves as a model of Christian virtue. Together, they stand as powerful witnesses to the truth of the Gospel and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Their story continues to inspire the faithful, reminding us of the importance of faith, prayer, and repentance in the Christian life.