Valentinus is believed to have been a church leader who was executed in AD269 for defying a Roman order banning marriage. He continued to marry couples in secret – and was eventually put to death for it.

 

Now Release, which supports persecuted Christians worldwide, is staging a conference to support women around the world who are suffering for their faith.

 

They include Asia Bibi, the first woman in Pakistan to be sentenced to death for blasphemy – a charge she denies – and women separated from family members who are behind bars for their faith.

 

Among the speakers will be a woman from Asia who has been in prison for her faith. ‘Her story is remarkable,’ says conference organiser Emma Dipper, ‘but we’re having to conceal her identity to protect her.

 

‘We’re getting back to the real meaning of Valentine’s Day,’ adds Emma. ‘The aim of the conference is to get behind our Christian sisters in countries where persecution is sadly part of daily life. We’ll be finding out what we can do to stand with them and support them.’

 

According to tradition, Valentinus clashed with Claudius after the emperor banned marriage in a desperate move to get more men to join his dwindling army.

 

In defiance of the emperor’s order Valentinus secretly married couples at night. He also helped Christians persecuted by Rome. When he was caught, he shared his Christian faith with Claudius – who had him executed.

 

And it’s said the Valentine’s cards we send today can be traced back to the saint’s last night on earth.

 

Tradition has it that Valentinus befriended his jailer’s daughter. On the eve of his death he wrote a last letter to her, signing it: ‘From your Valentine’.

 

‘We’re not sure what Valentine would have made of the card and chocolate industry that has sprung up in his name,’ says Emma Dipper, ‘but we’re sure he would have approved of our heart2heart conference to support persecuted Christians.’

 

The women’s conference is taking place on February 12 at The People’s Church, 64 Mallusk Road, Mallusk, Newtownabbey, BT36 4QE. Worship is being led by Sarahanne Wilmont and band.

 

Doors open at 9.30am. Tickets, which cost £5, are available from Florence McCloy on 028 9334 0014, email fmccloy@releaseinternational.org  An offering will be taken to support Christian women facing persecution around the world.

 

 

 

For further information, please contact Release International on 01689 823491, or by email at info@releaseinternational.org