A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Afra
AFRA, Martyr in Crete, during the Dioclesian Persecution.
A Pagan and courtezan, Afra had no sooner heard the gospel preached, than she was struck with horror at her past life. She confessed her sins, and was baptized; but her former lovers, enraged that they could no longer obtain admission at her house, denounced her as a Christian. She was examined, confessed her faith before the judge with firmness, and was burnt alive. Her mother and three servants, who had shared her crimes and her repentance, were arrested, as they watched at her tomb, and suffered the same punishment.
F. C.