Apollonia of Alexandria

About Apollonia of Alexandria

Apollonia was a deaconess or elderly virgin in Alexandria who was martyred during an anti-Christian riot in 249 AD under Emperor Decius. According to Dionysius of Alexandria (a contemporary bishop), a mob seized the aged Apollonia during a violent persecution, struck her repeatedly in the face, and knocked out all her teeth. They threatened to burn her alive unless she renounced Christ and uttered blasphemies. She asked for a moment to consider their demand, then suddenly freed herself and leaped into the flames herself. The Church Fathers debated whether her act constituted suicide or martyrdom, generally concluding it was inspired by the Holy Spirit as an act of supreme courage. Apollonia became patron saint of dentists and those suffering dental pain, often depicted in art holding pincers with a tooth. Her courage in the face of torture and her choice of death over apostasy made her a beloved martyr in both East and West.