Holy Martyrs Theodora and Didymus

Life

In the time of the wicked Emperor Maximilian, there lived in Alexandria a virgin named Theodora, of noble birth and upbringing. As a Christian, Theodora was brought before the pagan court. After prolonged tortures for the faith of Christ, the prince and torturer ordered that she be cast into a house of ill repute and that soldiers be permitted to enter and satisfy their bodily lust with her. Saint Theodora fervently prayed to God to save her from defilement, and while she was praying, a soldier named Didymus entered, told her that he too was a servant of Christ, dressed her in his military garb, and clothed himself in her woman's attire. Then he let her go out, while he remained in the house of ill repute. Afterward he was seized and brought before the judge, confessed that he was a Christian, that he had saved Theodora, and that he was ready to die for Christ. He was condemned to death and led to the place of execution. Then Theodora came running to him and cried out: "Although thou didst save my honor, I did not ask thee to save me from death. Yield to me the death of a martyr!" To this the holy Didymus replied: "Beloved sister, do not prevent me from dying for Christ and washing my sins with my blood!" Hearing this dispute, the pagans condemned them both to death, and both were beheaded, and their bodies burned in fire. They honorably suffered and received the crowns of eternal glory in the year 304 in Alexandria.