Myrrh-streaming skeletal remains found near the old Church of the Dormition in Chryse have been scientifically dated to 1795 and will be solemnly uncovered on October 13, the saint’s feast day.
Laboratory analysis in Germany dated the bones to about 17 years of age and to the year 1795, matching the traditional account of St. Chryse’s martyrdom.
The relics were found near ruins of the Church of the Dormition in the fortress village of Chryse and reportedly emit fragrance and myrrh.
Metropolitan Joel of Edessa issued an encyclical inviting the faithful to seek the saint’s intercessions during challenging spiritual times.
St. Chryse, also known by the Slavic form Zlata, is commemorated on October 13. Her traditional biography places her birth in the village of Slatena (now Chrysi) in the Almopia district of Pella Prefecture. The account says she was abducted during the Ottoman period and, despite pressure and torture to convert to Islam and marry her captor, she refused and was killed on October 13, 1795.
Relics attributed to St. Chryse were located near the ruins of the old Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, within the fortress area of the village of Chryse in northern Greece. Reporters and local church sources describe the remains as fragrant and myrrh-streaming. The discovery preceded this year's feast, and local church authorities prepared for a formal uncovering.
Specialized laboratories in Germany analyzed the skeletal remains. The tests concluded the bones belong to a young woman of about 17 years old who died in 1795. That date corresponds exactly with the year given in St. Chryse's life.
Metropolitan Joel of Edessa issued an encyclical ahead of the feast, framing the discovery as a blessing and urging the faithful to seek the saint's intercessions. The Church has scheduled a solemn uncovering of the relics for October 13. After the rite, the relics will be housed in the local Church of Edessa where they will be available for veneration. Church statements say the relics will sanctify and bless the faithful and strengthen the Orthodox community.
The traditional account of St. Chryse describes her as beautiful in body and soul, abducted while working in the fields. She reportedly rejected offers and threats to renounce Christianity and accept Islam, answering that she had Christ as her Bridegroom. Under sustained torture she refused to convert, and on October 13, 1795, her captors cut her body to pieces, after which she is said to have received martyrdom.
The relics' formal uncovering is scheduled for October 13, the saint's commemoration day. They will be placed in the Church of Edessa. Further public liturgical events and opportunities for veneration will follow according to diocesan announcements.
The relics were carried to the neighboring hamlet of Ćate, which also suffered a martyric death, where they were carefully washed and laid in a reliquary. The reliquary was placed in the chapel of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia.
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