Armed soldiers took Rhipsime away from her place of refuge. When nothing would induce the holy virgin to marry the king, he sent for Saint Gaiana, hoping she might persuade her. The abbess, however, told her that death would be preferable to life with the king. After many cruel torments, Saint Rhipsime surrendered her pure soul to God.
Inspired by Rhipsime’s example to endure torments for Christ, the abbess Saint Gaiana and two other nuns endured similar tortures, after which they were beheaded. The other nuns were run through with swords and their bodies thrown to be devoured by wild beasts.
The wrath of God befell emperor Tiridates, and also his associates and soldiers who had participated in the torture of the saints. Beset by demons, they became like wild boars (as once with Nebuchadnezzar, Dan. 4: 30), ranging through the forests, rending their clothes and gnawing at their own bodies.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyr Rhipsime and Gaiana, O Lord, / Through their sufferings have received their incorruptible crowns from you, our God. / For having your strength they laid low their adversaries, / And shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls!