Relics of Saint Chryse identified near Edessa castle ruins

The Holy Metropolis of Edessa, Pella and Almopia announced the discovery of the holy relics of Saint Chryse, the New and Great Martyr, near the ruins of the old Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos at the castle of Chryse. The relics were examined by the Forensic Medicine Service of Thessaloniki and two specialised scientific laboratories in Germany.

The examinations determined that the bones belonged to a young woman approximately seventeen years of age and that the year of her death was 1795, which matches the account in her Life. The Metropolis noted that even an ordinary observer can see signs of terrible torture on the ribs and skull. A fragrance continually emanates from the relics, which the Metropolis cited as a clear sign of her sanctity.

In its concluding statement, the Holy Metropolis glorified God for the blessing bestowed two centuries after the saint's martyrdom, at a time described as one of great spiritual challenges and temptations, and exhorted the faithful to have recourse with faith to her holy intercessions and the grace of her relics.