Saint Julitta Martyr of Cappadocia

Saint Julitta (or Juliette) is an early 4th-century martyr, who died in 303 during the Diocletianic Persecution. She is primarily known through a sermon by her contemporary, Saint Basil of Caesarea, which attests to her martyrdom in Cappadocia. Of variously reported origin (Tarsus in Cilicia or Iconium), she was a wealthy widow whose possessions were plundered by a businessman. During a plea that was turning in her favor, her Christian status was revealed, making her ineligible to testify in court. Ordered by the judge to offer incense to idols, she categorically refused, which led to her immediate condemnation and she was burned alive in Caesarea of Cappadocia. She is sometimes associated with her young son, Cyr (or Quiricus), also venerated as a martyr, although the accounts of their martyrdoms may differ in precise location and circumstances.