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When the Emperor learned that it was Marcos' daughter Demiana who had changed her father's mind, he ordered one of his commanders to take one hundred soldiers and attack the palace. "First, try to convince her to worship our idols", said Diocletian. "But, if she refuses, threaten her, torture her, and even kill her so that she will be an example for the other Christians."
When Demiana saw the soldiers approach the palace, she prayed to God to strengthen their faith until death. Then she told her friends, "If you are willing to die for Jesus' sake you can stay, but if you can not cannot stand the torturing of the soldiers, you would better hurry and escape right now." The forty virgins answered that they would not lose the eternal life just to enjoy a few moments in this evil world.
When the commander relayed Diocletian's message to Demiana, she answered, "How can I leave my Lord and God Jesus Christ and bow in front of blind, dumb, and deaf statues! You and your Emperor should be embarrassed of your shameful deeds, and I am telling you that even if you kill me, my faith will not be shaken."
May the prayers and the blessings of this great martyr, Saint Demiana be with us all. Amen.
'''Source:''' [http://www.copticchurch.net/classes/synex.php?month=5&day=13&btn=View&lang=#3 Coptic Orthodox Synaxarium(Book of Saints)]
== External Links ==
* [http://www.saintdemianachurch.org/Saint Demiana Church in San Deigo, California]
* http://www.zeitun-eg.org/demiana.htm
* http://www.answers.com/topic/saint-demiana
