Changes

The holy and glorious [[Virgin-martyr]] '''Markella of Chios''' (also ''Marcella'') is the patron saint of Chios and was born and lived in the village of Volissos of Chios. Her [[feast day]] is celebrated on [[July 22]]. == History ==Markella was born and lived in the village of Volissos of Chios and lived during the fourteenth century. After Her mother was a devout christian but her father was an idolater. At a young age, her Christian mother diedpassed away and Markella continued to study her bible, pray to God and live a life according to what she was taught. Her father began to have sinful desires for Markella. By the time she had reached her eighteenth birthday, her pagan father wished 's desires had begun to show and his behaviour resulted in Markella leaving home. She went to a nearby mountain and hid in a bush. Her father found her, with the help of a local herdsmen and they set fire to the bush to force her to show. Markella ran to the sea to escape but her father aimed an arrow at her and wounded her. The blood of the saint dyed the rocks and local legend shows an area that is still marked by her blood. Her final moments were spent in prayer to be his wifeChrist with a request that the rocks would open for her to hide from her father and this happened. After Everything but her head was covered so when her father found her refusal, he cut of her in pieceshead and threw it into the sea. Her head floated to the nearby beach of Komi. The  Holy water is said to spring from the rocks that mark Markella's martyrdom and this place of her [[martyr]]dom is visited by pilgrims. Her [[feast day]] On the 22nd of July, when her memory is celebrated on [[July 22]]honoured, the water of the sea near this area boils during the prayers of the Paraklisis honouring the saint. == Hymns ==Rose of piety and sprout of Chios, we honour with canticles Saint Markella who was beheaded by her father's hand, as she guarded the commands of Christ, give strength and save from danger, us who cry unto you. Glory to Him who gave you strength, glory to Him who crowned you. Glory to Him who works through you, healings for all the faithful.