September 24: Saint Thekla, Equal-to-the-Apostles and First-Martyress

19th Week after Pentecost. Tone one. Fast. Food with Oil

Today, the Church glorifies Saint Thekla, the "First-Suffering" woman who opened the path of martyrdom for all Christian women.

🌟 Key Life & Miracles
• The Call to Christ: Born in Iconium to a wealthy family, 18-year-old Thekla abandoned her betrothal and dedicated her virginity to Christ after hearing the Apostle Paul preach.
• The Deliverance from Fire: Denounced by her own mother and fiancé, she was sentenced to the bonfire. After she made the sign of the Cross, Christ appeared to bless her, and a sudden storm of rain and hail completely extinguished the flames.
• The Wild Beasts of Antioch: After joining St. Paul and St. Barnabas in ministry, she faced further persecution in Antioch. Hungry wild beasts set upon her refused to touch her, instead meekly licking her feet.
• A Life of Apostolic Ministry: With St. Paul’s blessing, she spent decades in Seleucia, converting countless pagans, healing the sick, and living a deeply ascetic life.
• Her Final Miracle: At 90 years old, when attackers came to defile her, she cried out to Christ. A mountain miraculously split open, hiding her within the rock as she peacefully offered her soul to God.

☦️ Why We Honour Her
Known as "Equal-to-the-Apostles" for her extensive missionary work, St. Thekla is revered as the ultimate guide for enduring suffering. From antiquity, churches have been raised in her honour—including one by St. Constantine the Great. Today, her name is invoked as a powerful intercessor, especially during the tonsure of Orthodox monastics.

Through the prayers of the Holy First-Martyress Thekla, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us!