Martyr
Virgin Martyr Theodora of Alexandria
† 303/304
Martyr Theodora of Alexandria — a virgin rescued from violation by the soldier Didymus, who exchanged clothes with her, and who voluntarily accepted execution together with him under Emperor Diocletian.
IMPORTANT NOTE: several saints of the Church bear the name Theodora (Empress Theodora Equal-to-the-Apostles, who restored icon veneration; Venerable Theodora of Alexandria the Penitent; and this virgin-martyr Theodora) — the stub contained no clues allowing a certain choice among them. The virgin-martyr of Alexandria, most commonly depicted paired with Martyr Didymus, was chosen.
Saint Martyr Theodora refused to marry and openly confessed Christ during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian in Alexandria (303–304). For refusing to sacrifice to idols, she was condemned to violation in a brothel. The Christian soldier Didymus secretly entered, exchanged clothes with her, and led her out to freedom, remaining in her place himself.
When the deception was discovered, Didymus was sentenced to death. Learning of this, Theodora herself came to the place of execution and asked to be allowed to die with him. Both were beheaded.
IMPORTANT NOTE: sources disagree on the feast date — Slavic tradition gives May 27/June 9, Greek tradition gives April 5; this discrepancy is honestly reflected rather than concealed by an arbitrary choice.