Holy First-Martyress and Equal-to-the-Apostles Thekla

Saint Thekla, the First-Martyress and Equal-to-the-Apostles, was born in Iconium to wealthy parents and was betrothed at eighteen. Hearing the Apostle Paul preach Christ, she chose to remain unmarried and devote herself to the Gospel. Her family opposed her, and she secretly visited Paul in prison. After Paul was banished, Thekla refused marriage and was condemned to burning, but Christ preserved her and rain extinguished the flames. She later preached with Paul and Barnabas in Antioch. There, after refusing marriage to a powerful man, she endured wild beasts and torture, yet remained unharmed, leading many to confess the greatness of the Christian God. With Paul’s blessing she settled near Seleucia, where she preached, healed the sick, converted pagans, and even brought a pagan priest to Baptism. At ninety, a hill opened and hid her from attackers, and she gave her soul to the Lord God.