Zoe of Bethlehem

Venerable Zoe of Bethlehem was a sinful woman of Palestine who repented and became a nun. According to the life of Venerable Martinian, who struggled in a desert near Caesarea of Palestine, Zoe wagered with some dissolute people that she would tempt Martinian, whose fame had spread through the city. One night she came to him, disguised as a stranger, asking for shelter. The saint took her in, since the weather was bad. But the cunning guest put on costly clothes and began to tempt him. Then Martinian went out of his cell, lit a fire and stood with bare feet on the burning coals, saying to himself: "It is hard for you, Martinian, to endure this momentary fire; how will you endure the eternal fire prepared for you by the devil?" The woman, astonished at what she saw, repented and asked him to guide her.

On his advice Zoe went to Bethlehem, to the monastery of Saint Paula, where she lived in strict ascetic labours for twelve years, until her blessed repose. She is commemorated on the same day as Martinian and Photina.