Saint Alexandra

The wife of the Emperor Diocletian, the Holy Empress Alexandra’s death was described in the Martyrdom of St. George. This was written after his death, however, the empress hadn’t received the crown until 314, after several years of waiting.

During these years, there had been many events that had transpired. In 305, Emperor Diocletian had resigned his throne and transitioned power to his co-ruler Maximian Galerius, a fanatic pagan. Galerius was also a well-known fierce soldier in his time. His wife was St. Valeria, the daughter of the holy Empress Alexandra, whom had been given in marriage against her will.

St. Alexandra raised her daughter St. Valeria in Christian piety. When Galerius had passed on, Emperor Maximinus sought St. Valeria’s hand in marriage. When she had refused his proposal, she was banished to Syria, where she lived with her mother.

In 311, Maximinus had died. The mother and daughter arrived in Nicomedia, living there by the mercy of Emperor Licinius. Together with St. Constantine, Licinius had subscribed to the Edict of Milan, giving Christians freedom of religion, while secretly remaining their enemy.

Licinius gave orders to execute the holy Empress Alexandra and her daughter, Valeria. Beheaded, their bodies were thrown into the sea.