St. Mary Magdalene’s Glorification | تمجيد القديسة مريم المجدلية

The Appearance of Archangel Michael:
The life story of Saint Rebecca and her children reveals the concern of the Christian family for attaining the heavenly crown. The heart of this widow was occupied only with enjoying the divine embrace with her five children, no matter the cost. Therefore, this family did not lose its happiness amid suffering; rather, their hardships became a source of collective joy for the family and a living testimony before the crowds so that others could witness their experience.

On the other hand, as the hearts of the family members rose to heaven, God sent His angel several times to support the grieving hearts, guide them, and bring them joy! A holy life is a source of joy for striving believers and for the heavenly beings.

This lady was widowed and had five children: Agathon, Peter, John, Amon, and Amouna. Their hometown was Qamoula, a center of Qus near Luxor, Qena Governorate. The mother cared for her children’s upbringing in the Lord, and their hearts were ignited with extraordinary love for God.

The angel of the Lord revealed to them in a vision that they would receive the crown of martyrdom in Shubra near Alexandria, and that their bodies would be transferred to Nakhra in Beheira Governorate (part of the current city of Damanhur).

Preparation for Martyrdom:
When the mother and her children witnessed the appearance of Archangel Michael, they were filled with joy. They awaited the enjoyment of the crown of martyrdom, for which they had prepared throughout their lives.

When the tyrant Emperor Diocletian ordered the destruction of churches, the burning of holy books, and the torture of Christians to renounce their faith, Saint Rebecca gathered her children to encourage them to stand firm in faith. She reminded them of the words of the Lord: “In the world you will have tribulation,” “Do not fear death,” and told them that the greatest gift a person can give is their life, offered without hesitation or regret, but with joy and courage.

The mother stood with her children in prayer and supplication to God, asking Him to have mercy on His Church and strengthen His people in faith.

While they were praying, the angel of the Lord appeared to them and announced that they would receive the crown of martyrdom in the name of Jesus Christ. The angel comforted and encouraged them, saying: “The Lord is with you and strengthens you to complete your struggle; do not fear death, nor be troubled by it. Bear witness to the Lord,” filling them with unprecedented joy.

When the time came, they rejoiced, distributed their wealth to the needy, and then went to Dionysius, the governor of the town of Qus. When the governor demanded that they offer incense to idols and deny the Christian faith, they all cried out: “We are Christians; we worship none but the Lord of heaven and earth, in whose hand are all people.” The governor tried to tempt them with many gifts and threatened them with death if they confessed the name of Christ. But they expressed their eagerness for death to meet their beloved Christ face to face. There, they steadfastly confessed their faith. He began to torture them severely, starting with their mother, who demonstrated patience and endurance, and encouraged her children. The five children were tortured as well, and due to their steadfastness and endurance, many were saved, declared their faith, and were martyred. Saint Rebecca and her children were placed by the governor in a prison crowded with large numbers of people along with bishops and priests.

Before Armanius, Governor of Alexandria:
The eldest son, Agathon, was the leader of his town and beloved by its citizens. Because of him, his mother, and his siblings, many were martyred. Some advised the governor to send them to Armanius, governor of Alexandria, where no one knew them.

Since Armanius was absent in the town of Shubra, they were sent there. After being tortured painfully by having their teeth pulled out, they were all thrown into prison where Archangel Michael appeared to them for the second time, encouraging them and healing their bodies. In the morning, the soldiers and the crowd were astonished as they saw no trace of injuries on their bodies. The crowds cried out, declaring their faith in the Lord Jesus, and the governor ordered the massacre of the crowds.

The governor placed Saint Rebecca and her children on iron beds and kindled fire beneath them, yet none of them were harmed. God sent rain after three hours to extinguish the fire, and many people confessed Christ and were martyred.

The governor’s heart remained hardened. He ordered that the limbs of these saints be cut and vinegar and lime poured over them. Archangel Michael appeared to them for the third time, illuminating them and healing them. The governor threw them back into prison, bound with chains, where they heard a voice saying: “Your struggle is near, and behold, I have prepared for you the crowns of life.”

The governor commanded that they be crucified with bowed heads, then placed in two barrels. The barrels, filled with boiling oil, overturned on the soldiers tasked with torturing them, killing them. He ordered their heads to be cut off and their bodies thrown into the sea.

Care for Their Holy Bodies:
A wealthy Christian man from Nakhra in Beheira, guided by a vision, was instructed to preserve their bodies. He gave money to the soldiers, took the bodies from them, and kept them until the persecution ended.

When devastation befell the city of Nakhra, the faithful transferred the bodies to the city of Debi in the Church of the Martyr St. Marina, where they remained until they were moved to Senbatu. It was called Senbmotia or Sanabit, named after its Roman governor, Sanabit. These holy bodies are still preserved in the church built in their name in the town of Senbatu, Zefta Center, Gharbia Governorate. Their martyrdom occurred on the seventh day of the month of Thout.