Saint Cyprian and Saint Justina: feast day for protection and household peace

Orthodox Christians mark the feast of Saint Cyprian and Saint Justina on October 15 (October 2 on the old calendar), a day dedicated to two early‑Christian figures whose lives are recalled as lessons in faith, repentance and spiritual protection.

The traditional account says Cyprian came from Carthage and later travelled to Antioch, where the young Justina lived with her parents, Edesius and Cleodonia. Justina’s family were initially pagan: her father served as an idol priest, but she embraced Christian teaching and—according to the story—helped bring her parents to baptism by Bishop Optatus.

From sorcery to sanctity

Cyprian is portrayed in the lives as a practitioner of magic and the occult. When a young man named Aglaid asked him to win Justina’s affection, Cyprian attempted a series of magical measures that failed because Justina prayed and crossed herself, trusting in God. Confronted by her steadfast faith, Cyprian abandoned his occult practices, converted, was baptized and later became a priest and then a bishop.

The pair’s commitment drew the hostility of pagan authorities. Their hagiography records that at the end of the third century they were taken to trial, tortured and "executed by the sword" in Nicomedia after refusing to renounce their Christian belief.

Today believers invoke Saint Cyprian and Saint Justina especially for spiritual protection—against fear, harmful influences and spiritual trials—and for the preservation of family peace and harmony at home. Many attend church services, light candles and offer prayers for the health and well‑being of loved ones, observing the day in quiet, repentance and charitable deeds.

Photo: press material from the event