Mount Athos lithography (icon) of Saint Sophia with her daughters on natural wood carved by hand.

Saint Sophia lived in Italy during the time when Hadrian was emperor of Rome. She became a widow early on and undertook the upbringing of her three daughters, Faith, Hope and Love. Sophia raised her daughters according to the virtues of Christianity. After the death of her husband, the Saint went to Rome and took her children with her. Because of the hatred of the pagans, the four women reported to the emperor who ordered their arrest.

In front of Hadrian the women confessed their faith and refused to betray Christ. Faith, Hope and Love were subjected to horrific torture and eventually beheaded. Sophia received their lifeless bodies and buried them with honors and reverence. After three days the Saint surrendered her spirit to the Lord next to her children. The Orthodox Christian Church commemorates her on September 17 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Sophia, Pistis, Elpis & Agape the Martyrs

Fourth Tone

O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lamb doth cry with a great voice: O my Bridegroom, Thee I love; and seeking Thee, I now contest, and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried. I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee: accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice. Lord, save our souls through her intercessions, since Thou art great in mercy.