POTAMIŒNA, a Christian Martyr, of Alexandria.
In the reign of the emperor Severus, the beginning of the third century, a violent persecution raged against the Christians; and as their confessing themselves to be such, alone, subjected them to the greatest torments and to death, they were called upon, when accused, to clear themselves by execrating Christ, and invoking the genius of the emperors and the gods then generally worshipped. Potamiœna, a young woman remarkable for beauty, purity of mind, and firmness in the faith of Christ, suffered very dreadful torments: she was, it is said, a slave, for whom her master had a passion; but not being able to inspire her with the like, he delivered her to the prefect of Egypt, as a Christian. She was scourged very severely, by order of the judge, who threatened her with punishments worse than death. But being still unmoved, she was led to the fire and burned, together with her mother Marcella. The heart of Basilides, a soldier who presided at her execution, was softened; he treated her courteously, and protected her as far as he dared, from the insolence of the mob. She thanked him, and promised that, after her departure, she would intreat the Lord for him. Scalding pitch was poured on her whole body, which she sustained with great patience. Basilides, some time afterwards, declaring himself a Christian, was apprehended, and suffered martyrdom. She was a disciple of Origen; and, as her speech declares, had imbibed some opinions not to be found in the gospel.
