Fausta of Cyzicus was a young Christian martyr who lived during the early 4th century. Born in Cyzicus around 298, she was only thirteen years old when she faced execution during the Diocletianic Persecution. After being orphaned, she remained steadfast in her faith despite intense suffering. Her refusal to sacrifice to Roman gods led to various forms of torture and eventual death, making her a significant figure in early Christian hagiography.
Martyrdom and miracles
During her persecution, Fausta endured severe physical torment, including being shaved and subjected to various attempts on her life. According to tradition, she survived several execution attempts through divine intervention. Her suffering eventually led to the conversion of her persecutor, Evilasius. After further torture under Maximian, she was sentenced to death by wild animals and later by boiling in a pot, though accounts vary regarding the specific circumstances of her final death.
Veneration
She is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church and is often commemorated alongside Evilasius and Maximus. Depending on the tradition, her feast day is observed on either June 10 or September 20. In the Eastern Catholic Church, she is celebrated on February 6 along with her companions.