Commemorated Sept 17 (New Calendar) September 30 (Old Calendar)
Saint Faith, the eldest daughter of Sophia, was twelve when she became a martyr in 137 AD. Born around 125 AD in Italy, Saint Faith, or Elpis in Greek, Vera in Russian, stood for unshakable trust in God. Her bravery in facing torture amazed those around her, making her a shining example in Orthodox Christianity.
Early Years of Saint Faith
Faith grew up in Italy, raised by her mother, Sophia, to love Jesus. By twelve, she was bold, openly sharing her faith. Even when Christians were persecuted, Faith stayed strong. Her trust in God prepared her for the trials she would soon face.
Facing Hadrian’s Demands
In 137 AD, Faith stood before Emperor Hadrian. He urged her to worship Artemis, but she refused. Instead, she spoke bravely about Christ. Her calm strength stunned the crowd. Therefore, Hadrian, enraged, decided to punish her with cruel tortures.
Martyrdom of Saint Faith
Faith endured terrible pain. Executioners beat her, cut her body, and placed her on a hot grill. Miraculously, milk flowed from her wounds instead of blood. God kept her unharmed through fire and pitch. Finally, she was beheaded, joyfully accepting her death for Christ.
Saint Faith’s Lasting Impact
Faith’s sacrifice inspired many Christians. Sophia buried her body with her sisters’ outside Rome. Their relics were later moved to El’zasa in 777 AD. Today, Saint Faith is celebrated in Orthodoxy for her unwavering trust in God, encouraging others to stay faithful.