So sorry that I missed posting a Saint story yesterday - but I warned you that this might happen. To make it up to you, today I'll give you a two-fer. I've chosen this pair of Saints because their feast day is on my birthday . . . sometimes you just have to make up a reason.
Sts. Julian and Basilissa lived at the turn of the fourth century in Egypt. As with many of the saints of this early period, little verifiable truth can be known about their lives. Most of what we have is legend - but all legend carries a kernel of truth.
Julian and Basilissa were husband and wife, but they agreed to live in perpetual chastity and sanctified themselves by an ascetical lifestyle. They converted their house into a hospital. Basilissa attended the women and girls in separate lodgings from the men and boys, who were attended by Julian. From this work, Julian was given the surname Hospitalarian or Hospitaller.
After severe persecution, Basilissa died in peace. Julian survived her by several years. He was martyred during the persecution of Diocletian around 304 AD - probably by beheading. Sources differ, but it appears that Julian and several companions were martyred on January 6, but their feast day was set as January 9, because of the Feast of Epiphany on January 6.
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