Agape – St. Great Martyr Thecla

On this day, the following are commemorated: Saint Silouan the Athonite, Saint Thecla the Great Martyr, Equal to the Apostles, Saint Sven the Martyr of Arboga, Saint Stephen the First-Crowned, Saint Coprie the Pious, the Assembly of Saints of Alaska, Saint Peter the Aleut the Martyr, the Veneration of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God of Miroj, and the Veneration of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God “of the Myrtle Tree”—Myrtidiotissa.

Saint Thecla the Great Martyr, also known as the First Martyr and Equal to the Apostles, is one of the most beloved female saints of the early Church. A native of Iconium, she heeded the preaching of the Holy Apostle Paul and, moved by the truth of the Gospel, chose to dedicate her life to Christ and to preserve her virginity. Her decision provoked opposition from her family and those around her, and for her faith she was subjected to trials and torments from which God miraculously delivered her.

After embracing the Christian faith, Saint Thecla became a courageous herald of the Gospel, leading others to come to know Christ. Through her steadfastness, purity, and love for God, she became a model for generations of Christians and is honored as being equal to the Apostles. Her example urges us not to be afraid to bear witness to our faith, to preserve the purity of our hearts, and to choose the values of the Gospel even when they require renunciation and sacrifice.

We warmly welcome you to the Chapel of the Saint Thecla Foundation, in a warm and welcoming setting!