Metrodora of Bithynia

Holy Martyr Metrodora of Bithynia, together with her sisters Menodora and Nymphodora, suffered in the time of Maximian (305-311). The three virgins were sisters by blood from Bithynia, in Asia Minor. Marked by piety, they wished to keep their life in virginity and to have no dealings with the world. They chose a secluded place in the desert and spent their life in fasting and prayer. The news of their holy life soon spread, since by their prayers healings took place. Bithynia was governed by the official Fronto, who ordered them seized. He tried first to persuade them to renounce Christ, promising honours and gifts, but they confessed their faith firmly and said that they were ready to die for their Heavenly Bridegroom. Enraged, the governor turned his fury on the eldest, Saint Menodora, who died under torment, crying, "Lord Jesus Christ, joy of my heart, my hope, receive my soul in peace."

After four days Metrodora and Nymphodora were brought to trial. Before them, to frighten them, the wounded body of their eldest sister was laid. The virgins wept but remained unmoved. Then Saint Metrodora was tortured, and she died calling on the Lord Jesus Christ, whom she loved, to her last breath. The third sister, Nymphodora, followed, and she too ended her life under blows of iron rods. They wished to burn the bodies of the martyrs on a pyre, but a heavy rain put out the fire, and lightning scorched Fronto and his servants. The Christians buried them with honour near the Warm Waters in Pythia (Bithynia). Part of the relics is kept on Athos, in the Protection cathedral of the Russian monastery of Saint Panteleimon, and the hand of Saint Metrodora is on the Holy Mountain in the Pantokrator monastery. Metrodora is commemorated on 23 September, in the new style.