In a world where femininity is often misrepresented as either weakness or weapon, St. Marina of Antioch shatters both extremes with fearless grace. She was not a woman who merely “fit in” with her time—she challenged it. Her story, passed down through centuries, is one of supernatural courage, unshakable faith, and victorious defiance against the devil himself.

Born in the third century in Pisidian Antioch, Marina (sometimes known as Margaret in the West) was raised by a pagan priest after her mother died. From an early age, she encountered the truth of Christ and embraced Christianity with all her heart. Her conversion cost her everything—she was rejected by her father and soon faced public persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

But Marina didn’t flinch. When a Roman official demanded she renounce her faith and marry him, she boldly refused. Her refusal led to brutal tortures: she was scourged, burned, and imprisoned. And yet—miraculously—she endured. During her time in prison, the devil himself appeared to tempt and torment her. But Marina didn’t run. She stood her ground, made the sign of the Cross, and—according to her hagiography—physically grabbed the demon by the hair and beat him into the ground.

Let that sink in.
This wasn’t passive resistance. This was a woman armed with faith, crowned with humility, and veiled in strength.

Her victory was not only over physical suffering but over spiritual darkness. She was eventually beheaded for her faith and instantly crowned with the glory of the martyrs. To this day, she is known for her miraculous intercessions, especially in the face of spiritual warfare.