12/25 January

St. Tatiana was the daughter of a wealthy Roman, who brought her up in the Christian faith. When Tatiana came of age, she grew indifferent to her wealth and other material benefits, and with all her heart came to love the religious life. She renounced forever entering into married life, and in view of her virtuous way of life, was appointed deaconess of the Roman church. In that capacity, she cared for the sick, visited those in prison, helped the indigent, and strove to ever please God with prayer and good works..

In about 225, during the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus (A.D. 222-235), and at the orders of the city ruler Ulpian, St. Tatiana was martyred for her confession of Jesus Christ. According to an ancient account, St. Tatiana was subjected to various tortures and then cast into the circus arena of the Colosseum, to be torn apart by a fierce lion for the amusement of the audience. However, instead of doing so, the lion meekly cuddled up against her. Then Tatiana was beheaded with a sword. Eight of the city ruler's servants who had taken part in torturing the Saint bore witness to the fact that God's power rested upon her, and came to believe in Jesus Christ. After being submitted to torture, they also were beheaded.