Febronia

This name derives from the Latin “fĕbrŭo > februa / februare,” meaning “purify, expiate.” In ancient Roman religion, Februus was the god of purification. He was also worshipped under the same name by the Etruscans, as the Etruscan god of redemption, but also the underworld, which in turn gives its name to February. Febronia of Nisibis was a nun at Nisibis, Mesopotamia. She suffered persecution under Diocletian, who offered her freedom if she renounced her faith and married his nephew, Lysimachus, who had been leaning towards conversion to Christianity. Febronia refused and was tortured, suffered mutilation and death. Lysimachus, witnessing her suffering, converted. In the Coptic Orthodox church, her feast day is 1 Epip, which corresponds to 8 July (Gregorian calendar) or 25 June (Julian calendar).