Theodora of Alexandria

Holy Martyr Theodora of Alexandria, a virgin, suffered together with the soldier, the Holy Martyr Didymus, in the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian (284 to 305), in Alexandria, in the year 303 or 304.

Brought to trial before the governor of Alexandria, Eustratius, Theodora fearlessly confessed herself a Christian. Asked why she had not married, the saint answered that she had dedicated herself to God and decided to remain a virgin for the sake of the name of Christ. Eustratius ordered her taken to prison, giving her three days to think and threatening that, if she still disobeyed, he would take her to a house of ill repute. Brought to trial again after three days, Theodora remained as firm in her faith. Then she was taken to the house of ill repute, where some dissolute young men quarrelled over who should enter first. Then the Christian Didymus, in soldier's dress, entered the house unhindered, drove off the frightened libertines and rescued the virgin, giving her his clothes. Learning of it, Eustratius ordered Didymus questioned. Brought before the angry judge, Didymus told how he had freed the virgin and was condemned to death. At the place of execution Theodora came, and told Didymus that she wished to die with him. The governor, seeing her, ordered both put to death. The holy martyr Theodora was first to bow her head under the sword, and after her the holy martyr Didymus. Their bodies were burned.

Theodora is commemorated on 9 June (new style), together with Didymus. Their story was also written down by Saint Demetrius of Rostov.