Saint Catherine was born during the latter part of the third century in Alexandria in Egypt, one of the greatest cities of antiquity. On November 25, 305, while still in the prime of her youth, St. Catherine was martyred in the city of her birth during the reign of the impious Roman Emperor Maxentius. In keeping with tradition, the Church honors the day of her martyrdom and commemorates her memory every year on November 25 with the proper solemnities.

St. Catherine, being of royal lineage, was immersed in the great cultural tradition of Alexandria and was exposed to learning at an early age. Very beautiful, tall, and erudite, Catherine was held in high esteem for her mastery of the arts and sciences of her time. Innately intelligent and inquisitive, she acquainted herself with the writings of the authors of antiquity: the philosophers, poets, physicians, and scientists of the Hellenes. In recognition of her superb learning, the Church gave her the title "the Wise" (pansofos).

St. Catherine's mother held the Christian faith secretly because of the great persecution raised up against the faithful at that time by Maxentius. Through the influence of her pious mother, Catherine became a Christian in her youth. Her love for learning led her to the study of the sacred Scriptures and the writings of Christian authors. She became a devoted follower of Christ, an exemplary doer of God's word, and an ardent defender of the Orthodox faith.

 While her mother and relatives often counseled Catherine to marry so that the royal inheritance passed down by her father would not fall into the hands of strangers, Catherine loved virginity greatly and did not wish to marry. She had given her heart to Christ, the beloved bridegroom of the Church.

When Maxentius came to Alexandria he had an encounter with Catherine. He marveled at her loveliness and wisdom, but was dismayed by her defense of the Christians. Because Catherine was of imperial stock, he did not wish to harm her outrightly but hoped to humiliate her into submission. He ordered that she defend her faith in an open debate with the renowned pagan orators and philosophers of Alexandria. Catherine routed the rhetoricians.

The Emperor was moved to wrath and ordered that Catherine be stripped of her imperial garb, flogged and tortured. But the tortures of the Emperor failed to sunder Catherine from Christ. Indeed, by the force of her faith she had succeeded in converting the Empress, Porphyrios the general, among others. Having failed to entice Catherine, the cruel Maxentius finally ordered her decapitation. She was executed — martyred — on November 25.

The holy relics of St. Catherine were later brought to the Monastery of Mt. Sinai.
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