Holy Virgin Martyr Oraiozele, disciple of the Holy Apostle Andrew
Saint Oraiozele (Oraiozélē) lived in Byzantium during the first century. At first she was an idol-worshipper, but then she became a Christian when she heard the preaching of Saint Andrew, who baptized her.
Oraiozele was an educated woman and was able to learn all the truths of the Gospel correctly, therefore Saint Andrew permitted her to instruct other women. She was very successful in bringing many of them to Christ. Later, she attached herself to a church dedicated to the Archangel Michael at Revma on the Bosporos. There she converted many pagans.
Afterward, Saint Oraiozele accepted two women who had been idolaters, but came to believe in Christ. They were most eager to emulate the Saint, regarding her as a model of virtue. The two disciples wished to follow her example in ascetical struggles, each trying to surpass the other in fasting, vigils, and prayer. This continued for several years, until the reign of Emperor Domitian.1
When the Emperor started to persecute Christians, Saint Oraiozele was arrested as well. She appeared before him and was charged with the "crime" of refusing to sacrifice to the idols. Domitian was unable to persuade her to return to idolatry, and since she remained steadfast in her love for Christ, he ordered her to be tortured. First she was disrobed, and then she was beaten for many hours. Those who watched were amazed because she did not seem to feel the blows. it was as if someone else was enduring her punishment.
Finally, Saint Oraiozele was beheaded and her dead body was thrown into the fire. Now she stands before her Bridegroom Christ as one of the choir of the Martyrs.
Women who are unable to conceive will pray to Saint Oraiozele and many of them give birth. Other women whose breasts do not produce enough milk have been able to nurse their babies after praying to the Holy Virgin Martyr Oraiozele.
1 Titus Flavius Domitianus (reigned 81 - 96 A.D.)