E05106: The Greek Martyrdom of *Basilissa (martyr of Nicomedia, S01881) recounts the story of its heroine who survives the torture of martyrdom, brings about the conversion of her persecutor, and dies next to a miraculous spring of water near Nicomedia (north-west Asia Minor). Written, probably at Nicomedia, during Late Antiquity.

Martyrdom of Basilissa of Nicomedia (BHG 2058)

Very brief summary:

Basilissa was a Christian virgin at Nicomedia, when the governor Alexandros demanded that all Christians offer sacrifice, by the threat of death. She was arrested and interrogated and tortured, but remained steadfast. She was put into a burning furnace, but the fire did not harm her, and finally she was exposed to be eaten by two lions, but the beasts were tamed by her prayers. The last prodigy caused the conversion of the persecutor Alexandros to Christianity. Basilissa took him to the bishop of Nicomedia, Antonios, who baptised him. Alexandros died soon thereafter, thus winning eternal life. Basilissa left the city and visited a rocky place near Nicomedia, where she was overcome by thirst. She prayed and caused a spring to gush forth, which has healing powers. Then she prayed to die, which was granted by God, and was buried by the bishop at the same site. The text closes with a brief epilogue justifying why the saint did not die during her martyrdom, but was allowed to die a peaceful death.

Summary: Efthymios Rizos.