25 November - Feast Day of Saint Catherine, Happy Name Day to all celebrating ❤
In the Greek Orthodox Church, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, patron saint of philosophers and preachers, is referred to as "Saint Catherine The Great Martyr".
Catherine, daughter of Roman Emperor Constus, governor of Alexandria, Egypt (fourth century), converted to Christianity at around the age of fourteen after experiencing a vision of The Madonna.
When Emperor Maxentius began the persecution of Christians, Catherine visited him to admonish him for his cruel acts, Maxentius then called fifty pagan philosophers and preachers to debate with Catherine, hoping they would oppose her pro-Christian arguments.
The plan backfired; not only did they end up agreeing with Catherine many converted to Christianity and were at once put to death!
Maxentius, could not get Catherine to renounce her devotion to Christianity, not even when he had her tied to the wheel; a terrible instrument of torture and flogged.
This is where the phrase “Catherine wheel” originates from and why Saint Catherine of Alexandria is also referred to as Catherine of the wheel.
Failing to break Catherine through torture, Maxentius then tried to woo her with a proposal of marriage only to have Catherine retort; “Jesus Christ is my husband”.
Maxentius threw in the glove and had Catherine beheaded.
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