 |
Afra AugsburgSaint of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church, martyr
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Cyprus |
Content:
- Saint Afra: Martyr and Patron Saint
- Conversion and Martyrdom
- Servants and Burial
- Veneration
- Relics and Legacy
Saint Afra: Martyr and Patron Saint
Etymological Origins and LegendsThe name "Afra" finds its root in the Latin word "africa," signifying "African." However, alternative interpretations exist. Some believe that the goddess Aphrodite bestowed the name upon Afra. Additionally, ancient texts, such as the Martyrology of Jerome, mention a martyrdom commemoration of both Afra and Veneria of Antioch. Erroneously, Veneria's name was mistranslated as "Venus," leading to the misconception that Afra had been a prostitute before her conversion to Christianity. Notably, the notion of Afra as a prostitute was never universally accepted, as several martyrologies and Augsburg calendars from the 11th century revered her as a virgin.
Conversion and Martyrdom
During the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian, persecutions erupted, forcing Bishop Narcissus and Deacon Felix to seek refuge in Augsburg, where they found shelter at Afra's residence. Bishop Narcissus not only baptized Afra but also her entire family. However, Afra's newfound faith alarmed her pagan neighbors, leading to her arrest and interrogation. Despite severe questioning, Afra remained steadfast in her Christian conviction, refusing to renounce her beliefs. As a result, on August 7, 304 AD, she was sentenced to be burned alive on an island in the Lech River.
Servants and Burial
According to legend, Afra's body remained unharmed after her execution. Her servants, Digna, Eumenia, and Eutropia, buried her remains in a tomb two miles from the city, where the present-day Saint Afra Church of Friedberg stands. Their actions were met with retaliation, as they were arrested and subsequently martyred for refusing to participate in pagan ceremonies.
Veneration
Saint Afra's relics were preserved at the Abbey of Saints Ulrich and Afra in Augsburg until 1802, when they were transferred to the nearby Church of Saints Ulrich and Afra. Her veneration is prevalent in Bavaria. The first church erected over her grave dates back to 582 AD. During the Middle Ages, the legend of Saint Afra gained widespread recognition, making her tomb a popular pilgrimage site for Western European Christians. Her patronage was associated with repentant women, and her veneration spread throughout southern Germany, the Alps, Alsace, Holland, and Denmark. In 1064, during the rebuilding of the monastery, relics of Afra and Martyr Euprepius were discovered. Pope Alexander II canonized Afra the same year.
Relics and Legacy
In 1804, during the 1500th anniversary of Saint Afra's martyrdom, her burial site and a Roman sarcophagus were identified. Her relics were moved into a new marble sarcophagus and now rest with Saint Ulrich's relics in the Basilica's crypt. In 2000, the Augsburg diocese named a newly opened museum after Saint Afra, displaying unique depictions of her martyrdom. Saint Afra's memory lives on through German writer Eva Demski's 1992 novel "Afra" and the popular hymn by poet M. Adelgart, sung in Augsburg's churches. The German Orthodox Church reestablished her veneration in 2006. Saint Afra's feast day is celebrated on August 5th and 7th.
