Righteous Thomais of Lesbos

Righteous Thomais of Lesbos is a rare example in Orthodox hagiography of a married laywoman glorified through the trial of family life rather than monastic asceticism. Born around 910 on Lesbos to a devout, long-childless couple, her family later moved near Constantinople. Though she desired virginity, Thomais was given in marriage, in obedience to her parents, to a man named Stephen. The marriage proved a severe trial: for years her husband beat her brutally and obstructed her charitable works. She bore the abuse without complaint, answering evil with meekness, patience, and unceasing prayer, while continuing to help the poor. For such long-suffering, God granted her the gift of wonderworking and power over evil spirits; healings through her prayers were recorded during her lifetime. She reposed around 948, at about 38, and was buried at the Constantinopolitan convent of Mikra Romaiou. Healings of those afflicted by evil spirits and marital strife were long reported at her tomb; she is venerated today as a patroness of Christian marriage.