St. Rebekah and Her Martyrs: The Mother Who Offered All

Welcome to the St. Shenouda Podcast!Join us for a compelling episode as we delve into the inspiring and courageous lives of St. Rebekah and her five children: Agathon, Peter, John, Ammon, and Ammona. Hailing from Kemola, a village near Kus in Upper Egypt, they lived during the severe persecutions of Christians under Emperor Diocletian.Discover how, while they were devoutly praying, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing their glorious crown of martyrdom in the city of Shoubra, near Alexandria. Filled with immense joy at this divine vision, they promptly gave all their earthly possessions to the poor and released their servants, fully dedicating themselves to Christ.Hear how St. Rebekah, a widow who raised her children in the fear of God, displayed extraordinary strength, encouraging her sons to endure unimaginable tortures for their unwavering faith in the Lord Christ. They boldly confessed their belief before Governor Dionysius in Kus, who subjected them to severe tortures, starting with their mother, then her five children. Their steadfastness led many others to confess Christ and receive martyrdom.When transferred to Governor Armenius in Shoubra, they faced even more brutal torments: their bodies were hacked, cast into a boiler, squeezed with wheels, and even crucified head down. Yet, through all these agonies, the Lord Christ miraculously raised them whole, shaming the governor and his people.Their ultimate sacrifice came as they were beheaded; the youngest child was martyred on St. Rebekah's lap, before she, too, received her crown of martyrdom. However, even in death, God's providence was evident: their holy bodies, ordered to be drowned in the sea, were miraculously rescued by a rich man from Nakraha, guided by an angel, and reverently laid to rest in a church.Today, the relics of St. Rebekah and her children are venerated in the church known as "The Five and Their Mother" or "El-Sitt Refka" (Lady Rebekah) in Sonbat, Egypt. Many faithful visit this church annually to receive their blessings, and God continues to manifest numerous signs and wonders through their intercession. Their feast day is celebrated on the 7th day of the blessed month of Tout, which corresponds to 17 September.Tune in to the St. Shenouda Podcast to learn more about these faithful martyrs who chose eternal life over worldly glory and whose legacy continues to inspire generations