Theodotus of Ancyra

Saint Theodotus of Ancyra was an innkeeper in Ancyra in Galatia, today Ankara, and received the crown of martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian, in 303 or 304. The Church remembers him on 18 May, with the seven virgin martyrs, and on 7 June.

He was a married man and kept an inn in Ancyra. He was full of zeal for Christian duties and rich in good works, above all in almsgiving. He brought sinners to repentance and strengthened many in the faith during the persecution which the governor Theoctenus carried on in the province after Diocletian's edict. A certain Victor is mentioned, who had weakened in his confession of Christianity and found great encouragement in Theodotus. When the governor ordered that everything put up for sale be offered first to the idols, Theodotus laid in stores of provisions. His inn became a refuge for hunted Christians, a hospital for the sick and a place of worship. According to the tradition of his Life he likened the inn to Noah's ark, which saved those within from the waters of the flood. He visited and comforted the martyrs in prison, sometimes ransomed them, and secretly buried the bodies of those put to death. He also had the gift of healing. At Malos, about five miles from Ancyra, he found the body of the martyr Valens and buried it as a Christian.

Returning to Ancyra, he found the Christians in great trouble. Seven virgins, among them his aunt Thecusa, and Alexandra, Claudia, Phaina, Euphrasia, Matrona and Julitta, had been brought to trial and had boldly confessed their faith. They were sent to a house of vice but kept their purity. Then they were cruelly tormented and thrown into the lake with stones tied to their bodies. According to one account Theodotus went out at night and took the bodies from the water and buried them with honour, guided in the dark by a light, while the water drew back. Someone betrayed him to the governor. Theodotus was put to heavy torments, so that his body became one wound and his teeth were broken with stones, but he stayed steadfast. When he was led to the place of execution and the Christians wept, he said: "Do not weep, brothers, but glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, who helped me finish the struggle." Then he was put to the sword.

The executioners wished to burn his body, but a great storm frightened them. According to tradition his body was miraculously brought to Malos and buried with honour by the priest Fronto, on a height outside the town. A chapel was later built there, and then a church in his name, and the saint was greatly venerated.