Life
Saints Cyprian and Justina live in ecclesiastical tradition as an example of the alliance between a former sinner and a pure virgin, joined in Christ through martyrdom. Their story, reaching back into the third and the beginning of the fourth century, is a testimony to the power of Christian faith and to the powerlessness of demonic deception before true piety.
Cyprian was by birth from Syrian Antioch, where even in early youth his father had dedicated him to the service of the devil. He was educated in various pagan sanctuaries — on Olympus, in Argos, in Memphis, and in Babylon — and acquired deep knowledge of magic, sorcery, and the summoning of demons. He attained the summit of pagan mysticism and was venerated as an expert in communion with the spirits of darkness.
Justina, by contrast, was the daughter of a pagan priest named Edesius in Antioch; she accepted the Christian faith after hearing the preaching of the deacon Pravilius about Christ. She was baptized together with her parents and consecrated her virginal purity to Christ, resolving not to marry. She was known for her devout and exemplary life.
A wealthy young man named Aglaidas fell in love with Justina and, when he could not persuade her to agree to marriage, turned to Cyprian for magical aid. Cyprian accepted the task and three times sent demons against Justina: the first time a lesser demon who disguised himself as a young man, the second time the prince of darkness himself. Each time Justina dispersed the demonic attacks through prayer, the sign of the Cross, and the invocation of Christ and the Theotokos, remaining unshaken. The demons returned to Cyprian defeated and ashamed.
Cyprian began to reflect on this experience. He realized that the power to which Justina had recourse — the power of the Cross of Christ — was mightier than every demon he had ever summoned. When the third demon fled in confusion from Justina’s sign of the Cross, Cyprian perceived with horror the deception in which he had lived: the devil had lied to him that he was all-powerful, yet one prayer of a devout girl had put him to flight. He then cast away all his books and writings of magic and went to the Bishop of Antioch Anthimus, confessing all the sins of his former life and asking for baptism.
After baptism Cyprian compensated for lost time with fervent ascetic life and theological study. He advanced quickly: first ordained a deacon, then a priest, and finally became a bishop — of Carthage by one tradition, of Antioch by another. Justina accepted the monastic veil and became the head of a women’s monastic community.
When the persecution of Christians under Diocletian began at the opening of the fourth century, Cyprian and Justina were arrested. They were brought before the governor Eutolmius in Nicomedia, who tortured them trying to compel them to renounce the faith. Both remained steadfast. Around 304 they were beheaded by the sword at the river Gallus.
The soldier Theoctistus, who was present at the execution and was moved by the martyr’s courage of the saints, immediately confessed faith in Christ and was slain together with them. The relics of the saints were translated to Rome and then to Constantinople.
Saint Cyprian is considered the protector against evil spirits, the evil eye, and sorcery, for he himself once trod that path and knows all the secrets of demonic deception — and overcame them. The faithful turn to him with prayers for protection against spells and every demonic affliction.
Tropar (Tone 4)
Having become a co-sharer in the ways of the Apostles, and one who hath succeeded to their thrones — thou didst find thy practice, O divinely inspired one, a passage to divine contemplation; teaching the word of truth aright, and suffering even unto blood for the faith — O hieromartyr Cyprian, intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion (Tone 2)
Having severed thyself from sorcery and become a teacher of piety, having overcome the manifold deceit of the demons, together with Justina thou didst cry out to Christ Who glorified thee both: protect us, O God, from enemies visible and invisible.
About the Feast
Saints Cyprian and Justina do not have the status of a popular patron feast in Serbian families, but their veneration is present in monasteries and among the faithful who seek spiritual protection from negative influences and demonic activity. Those who have been involved in the occult and seek liberation especially pray to Cyprian, as do families who believe they are under the influence of spells or sorcery.