Saint Catherine of Alexandria (Palladas, Heraklion)

Saint Catherine of Alexandria is a revered Christian saint and martyr, traditionally venerated by the Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. The epithet "(Palladas, Heraklion)" specifically refers to a depiction of Saint Catherine located in Palladas, which is near Heraklion, Crete. This location suggests a significant presence and devotion to the saint within the Cretan Orthodox tradition.

According to tradition, Catherine was a highly intelligent and beautiful young woman of noble birth who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, during the reign of Emperor Maxentius (or, according to some accounts, Emperor Maximinus II). She converted to Christianity after experiencing a vision. Her intelligence and eloquence allowed her to successfully debate and convert several pagan philosophers who were sent to dissuade her from her faith.

When Catherine refused to renounce her Christian beliefs, she was subjected to various tortures, including being placed on a spiked wheel intended to kill her. However, the wheel miraculously shattered at her touch. Ultimately, she was beheaded, thus becoming a martyr for her faith.

Saint Catherine is considered the patron saint of philosophers, librarians, mechanics, nurses, and young women, among others. Her feast day is celebrated on November 25th in the Western Church and November 24th in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Icons of Saint Catherine often depict her holding a wheel, symbolizing the instrument of her failed torture, and a palm branch, representing her martyrdom. The "(Palladas, Heraklion)" designation indicates a local manifestation of this veneration, likely reflected in specific artistic representations or traditions associated with that area of Crete.