The persecution of Christians began in Alexandria during the reign of the Emperor Philip. The first victim of the pagan mob was an old man named Metrius, who was tortured and then stoned to death. The second person who refused to worship their false idols was a Christian woman named Quinta.
Her words infuriated the mob and she was scourged and stoned. While most of the Christians were fleeing the city, abandoning all their worldly possessions, an old deaconess, Apollonia, was seized.
The crowds beat her, knocking out all of her teeth. Then they lit a large fire and threatened to throw her in it if she did not curse her God. She begged them to wait a moment, acting as if she was considering their requests. Instead, she jumped willingly into the flames and so suffered martyrdom.
There were many churches and altars dedicated to her. Apollonia is the patroness of dentists, and people suffering from toothache and other dental diseases often ask her intercession. She is pictured with a pair of pincers holding a tooth or with a golden tooth suspended from her necklace. St. Augustine explained her voluntary martyrdom as a special inspiration of the Holy Spirit, since no one is allowed to cause his or her own death.
 was martyred in the reign of the Emperor Philip. She was beaten, had all her teeth knocked out and burned in a fire. St. Apollonia is the patroness of dentists, and people suffering from toothache and other dental diseases often ask her intercession. She is pictured with a pair of pincers holding a tooth or with a golden tooth suspended from her necklace.){kind=link}
I think it was fate that I am going to the dentist today to get a crown. I pray that St Apollonia will allow me to get the crown and not need a root canal instead.
Please help me to understand how St. Apollonia was not considered a sinner for taking her own life(mortal sin)? I by no means am trying to disrespect her nor be skeptic. I am just trying to understand. Thank you
As it states in the last sentence, “St. Augustine explained her voluntary martyrdom as a special inspiration of the Holy Spirit, since no one is allowed to cause his or her own death.”
I HAVE ALWAYS SUFFERED WITH TOOTHACHES AND BAD TEETH THANK YOU FOR THE PAGE I ENJOY IT AND IS VERY HELPFUL!
have to have a tooth pulled in a few weeks, I will remember St. Apollonia!!!
St. Appollonia, many in your native land are suffering again. Many Christians now must fear being Christian will cause them harm. The politics of your land have turned ugly, and there is much human suffering of people of all faiths.
Additionally, I ask favor for myself, as my root canal has left my mouth tender, and I am now fearful of chewing. Others in my family also suffer from dental problems. It seems to plague my family. Please find favor for us.