Saint Julia Silk Screen Icon – Gold & Engraved Wood

Description

Saint Julia, also known as Julia of Corsica or Virgin Martyr Julia of Carthage, was born in Carthage and is today recognized as the patron saint of Corsica by the Catholic Church. Though little is known about Saint Julia’s life it is believed that she was sold into slavery after Carthage was overtaken by King Gaiseric, who was anti-Christian and wanted to rid the city of all Christians. She eventually found herself serving a pagan known as Eusebius. 

She remained steadfast in her faith while serving Eusebius, and though he was not Christian he admired her piety and faith, allowing her to pray and read in her free time. Saint Julia began fasting as part of her faith, resisting the threats from Eusebius that she must eat as she was becoming severely malnourished from her fasting. However, since Julia was a loyal and hardworking servant, Eusebius did not punish her for her faith, rather he took her along with him on his travels to Gual for a pagan festival. 

While in Gual, the governor – Felix – noticed that Julia was not praying to the pagan gods, nor was she celebrating the festival. Eusebius told the governor that Julia refused to renounce her faith and become pagan, which angered Felix. He approached her and attempted to sway her to give up her Christian faith and celebrate with the pagans during the festival, but she refused. This only further angered Felix, who attacked Julia by pulling her hair out of her scalp and striking her face. He then tortured her and eventually crucified her until she died. Saint Julia is commemorated by the Catholic Church on May 23 and by the Eastern Orthodox Church on July 16. She is depicting holding a cross as is typical of icons representing martyrs. The cross represents their steadfast loyalty to their faith and the suffering they underwent at the hands of the unfaithful.