Didymus of Alexandria

Holy Martyr Didymus of Alexandria was a soldier and suffered with Saint Theodora, a virgin, in the time of the persecution of Diocletian (284-305), in Alexandria, in the year 303 or 304. They are commemorated on 9 June.

The holy virgin Theodora, brought before the judgment of the governor of Alexandria, Eustratius, fearlessly confessed herself a Christian. To the governor's question why she had not married, the saint answered that she had dedicated herself to God and had resolved to remain a virgin for the Name of Christ. Eustratius ordered her taken to prison, with three days to reflect, threatening that if she still disobeyed he would take her to a house of ill repute. Brought to trial after three days, Saint Theodora remained as firm in her faith. Then she was taken to the house of ill repute, where dissolute youths quarrelled over who should enter first to her. At that time the Christian Didymus, in a soldier's dress, entered the house without hindrance, drove off the frightened debauchees and saved the holy virgin, giving her his clothes. Learning of it, Eustratius ordered Saint Didymus questioned. Brought before the angry judge, Saint Didymus told how he had freed the virgin and was sentenced to death. To the place of execution the holy virgin Theodora came and, speaking to Saint Didymus, confessed that she wished to die with him. The governor, seeing her, ordered both put to death. First Saint Theodora bowed her head under the sword, and then Saint Didymus. The bodies of the holy martyrs were burned.