By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
The Church celebrates today the memory of Holy Protomartyr and Equal of the Apostles Thekla of Iconium.
Saint Thekla was born in the city of Iconium. Upon hearing the apostle Paul’s preaching, she decided to dedicate her life in Christ. She became a fiery charismatic preacher and apostle of the Holy Gospel. Because of her missionary work, she was arrested. She never renounced her faith despite the wrath of her mother nor the threats of the prefect. Nothing could subdue Saint Thekla’s steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Saint Thekla was sentenced to be burned. Saint Thecla was miraculously saved from burning at the stake and continued her missionary work undeterred with more zeal and more devotion. She was deemed worthy to become Equal-to-the-Apostles.
Saint Thekla fell asleep in the Lord at the age of 90. Our Holy Church glorifies Saint Thekla as a great example for women who are struggling heroically and continue to offer relentlessly to the Church’s missionary work, always guided by their love for God and fellow human being.
SOURCE: Church of Cyprus