Accused of fathering a child, Brother Theodore was expelled from the monastery. But Theodore had a secret: the monk was Saint Theodora of Alexandria.

According to the Orthodox account, Theodora had entered the monastery seeking repentance. She could have revealed her identity to disprove the accusation. Instead, she cared for the child for seven years and taught him to pray.

Her secret was discovered only after her death. Her story speaks of repentance, patient endurance, and love for a child who needed her.