Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: September 17

In second-century Italy, a pious widow named Sophia raised her three daughters—Faith, Hope, and Love—to be Devout Christians. Named after the primary theological virtues, the girls were only twelve, ten, and nine years old when their open confession of faith drew the attention of the Emperor Hadrian. Despite their youth, the family remained unshakable in their devotion, preparing for their inevitable confrontation with the Roman state through fervent prayer and a composure that stunned those who witnessed their arrival in Rome.

When brought before Hadrian, the three sisters steadfastly refused to sacrifice to the goddess Artemis, choosing instead to honor their "Heavenly Bridegroom," Jesus Christ. This defiance triggered a series of horrific executions. The Emperor subjected the young girls to various tortures, including fire, boiling tar, and the breaking wheel. Miraculously preserved through much of the ordeal, the sisters never wavered, eventually accepting death by beheading with a joy that confounded their persecutors.

Saint Sophia was forced to endure a unique psychological martyrdom, as Hadrian compelled her to witness the agonizing deaths of her children. Rather than succumbing to despair, Sophia exhibited "adamant courage," actively encouraging her daughters to endure their torments for the sake of eternal life. Her strength served as a spiritual pillar for the girls, ensuring that all three remained steadfast until their final moments under the sword.

Following the execution, Sophia was permitted to bury her daughters on a high hill outside the city. After three days of grieving and praying at their gravesite, she peacefully passed away, joining them in death. Though she did not perish by the sword, the Church recognizes her as a martyr for the immense "suffering in her heart" she endured. Since the year 777, the relics of these holy martyrs have been venerated at the Church of Esho in Alsace, serving as a lasting testament to their sacrifice.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted Orthodox Christian icon reproductions made in the United States with prayer and a sincere desire for excellence. Each of our icons are printed on museum-quality matte canvas, providing a rich print with saturated coloration that lends to a beautiful handwritten-icon appearance.

All Theophany Works Icons are mounted on beveled wooden boards and finished with a high-quality UV protection sealant. This offers a subtle authentic-feeling texture while also enhancing durability, allowing for cleaning with a damp cloth. Additionally, each icon is given a maple-shelled keyhole slot on its back for easy and balanced hanging.

Our beautiful icon reproductions are lovingly made in our Lancaster, Pennsylvania studio. We pray they are a blessing to all who receive them, and we believe they will be a beloved addition to any home or parish—each at a fraction of the cost of a hand-painted icon.

***Our Beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ: Please allow 3 weeks for production as each icon is made to order. If an icon is needed sooner for a baptism, chrismation, wedding, or name day, please contact us—we will always do our very best to accommodate your request.

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