September 2
Saint Theodota of Bithyniaa
Widow, Martyr
(3rd Century – Around 304)
“They have been taught nothing new, but rather the age-old law.”
Saint Theodota of Bithynia
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Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above to Buy it!
Saint’s Life Story
Her Early Life
Theodota, also known as Teodota or Theodote, was born into the noble class during the 3rd century most likely in the city of Nicea, Bithynia (in modern Turkey), where she was a native.
Mother of Three Saints
Little is known about her early life, but eventually, Theodota married and became the mother of three children, who would later be recognized as saints themselves – Evodius, Hermogenes, and Callista. Information about her husband is sparse. Theodota and her three sons lived during the reign of C in the third century. Tragically at some point, Theodota’s life took a dramatic turn when her husband passed away, leaving her widowed.
Theodota led a pious life and raised her sons in the Christian Faith. She had a spiritual friendship with Saint Anastasia.
Marriage Proposal
When the persecution against Christians began, they arrested Theodota. At the trial, Prefect Leucadius was captivated by her beauty and decided to take her home with him, seeking to marry her. Finding herself in the home of Leucadius with her children, Theodota maintained her purity, yielding neither to inducements nor charms, nor threats by the pagan. Theodota remained deeply devoted to her faith, rejected his proposition as she had dedicated her life to her children and the Christian teachings.
Theodata on Trial
Angered at Theodota’s steadfastness, Leucadius denounced her and ordered that Theodota and her children be sent to Bithynia for trial with Nicetius, the proconsul and judge there. Since this was during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian, Nicetius asked Theodota if it were she who taught her children the new-fangled impiety which they believed.
Theodota responded “They have been taught nothing new, but rather the age-old law.”
Nicetius asked Theodota “Did your ancestors know these doctrines?”
Then, her eldest son, Saint Evodius spoke up saying “If our ancestors had been in error, it is not because God has hidden the truth from them. Rather they were blind and wandered into untruth through their blindness. But we are going to follow our mother.”
Nicetius stated “Your mother is going to sacrifice to the Gods, whether she lies it or not.” He blamed Theodota for the offensive candor of her son’s words. Nicetius urged her to sacrifice that they might follow her example and be saved. Then Nicetius began to threaten Theodota with torture. Her son retorted that Christians did not fear tortures, but rather feared being forsaken by God.
Evodius Attacked
Evodius was cruelly beaten before the eyes of his mother, so that his blood began to flow across the stones. Theodota prayed that the Lord would strengthen her son in his sufferings, and rejoiced in that he was being given a martyr’s death for the sake of truth.
Theodota was subjected to severe beatings and tortures in an attempt to make her renounce her faith. However, Theodota remained steadfast, refusing to renounce her beliefs and standing firm in her conviction. In addition, she was given over to be defiled, but the Lord preserved her. An angel held back everyone who tried to approach her. Explaining this miracle as sorcery, Nicetius sentenced Theodota and her children to death by fire.
Her Martyrdom
Around year 304, Theodota and her sons were thrown into a scorching furnace in the city of Nicaea, Bithynia (located in modern-day Turkey), where she met her martyrdom.
Despite facing such a horrific end, Theodota’s unwavering faith and courage inspired many believers who witnessed her martyrdom. The name of Saint Theodota is remembered with great reverence, particularly in Christian communities throughout Turkey and Greece.
Born: 3rd Century most likely in Nicaea, Bithynia (now Turkey)
Died: Around 304 in in Nicaea, Bithynia (now Turkey)
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: September 2
Patron Saint: None
Reflection
Saint Theodota of Bithynia lived during a time of fierce persecution, yet she remained steadfast in her love for Christ. A widow and mother, she found strength not in worldly security but in her trust in God’s providence. Her faith gave her courage to resist pressure from those who sought to turn her away from her beliefs—and even to offer her life rather than deny her Savior.
Her story is one of quiet resilience and spiritual dignity. Theodota shows that holiness can bloom amid hardship, and that true strength is found in surrender to God’s will. Her witness encourages us to hold fast to our faith in every season of life, especially when our trust in God is tested by loss, loneliness, or fear.
When I face moments of trial or uncertainty, do I, like Saint Theodota, place my confidence in God’s care—or do I try to rely only on my own strength and understanding?
Prayers
Saint Theodota of Bithynia,
You courageously trusted in God when the world turned against you and your faith shone brightly amid suffering.
Teach me to rely on the Lord in every trial, to find peace in surrender, and to live each day with steadfast hope.
Intercede for mothers, widows, and all who carry heavy burdens, that they may discover the same strength and grace that sustained you in your witness.
Help me to walk with quiet courage and unwavering faith in Christ.
Saint Theodota of Bithynia, pray for us! Amen.
Saint Links
A Dictionary Of Saintly Women, Volume 1 by Agnes B. C. Dunbar – St Theodota
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America – St. Theodota
Catholic Online – St. Theodota
CatholicSaints.Info – Book of Saints – Theodota and Her Three Sons – by Monks of Ramsgate
Santi e Beati – Saints Theodota, Evodius, Hermogenes and Callista Martyrs Feast: 2 September (translated from Italian)
Video Link
The Story of Saint Theodota of Bithynia Condemned to Death in the Furnace a Horrible Death – YouTube Video (Today in the history of sanctities)