Theodora of Cappadocia

Holy Martyr Theodora of Cappadocia is one of the seven virgin martyrs, Alexandra, Claudia, Euphrasia, Matrona, Juliana, Euphemia and Theodora, who suffered in the time of Maximian, the emperor who began the great persecution of Christians together with Diocletian (286 to 305 and 307 to 308). They are commemorated as martyrs of Amisos, a city on the northern coast of Asia Minor, in Pontus.

The emperor's emissary first subjected all the Christians of Amisos to horrible torments. Then seven women appeared before the ruler with manly courage, condemning him for his cruelty and confessing Christ as the only true God. They called the ruler inhumane, a monster and an enemy of truth. The tyrant, enraged, ordered them taken to a public place as a spectacle, where they were beaten with rods; their breasts were cut off with swords, they were hung up and their skin was cut until their entrails could be seen. At last they were thrown into a great fiery furnace. Singing and praying, they gave up their souls to God, from whom they received unfading crowns. In the Menaion, Theodora is also called Theodosia.

They are commemorated on 20 March (new style).