Saint
Theodora of Alexandria
Venerable Theodora of Alexandria († c. 480)
New Calendar September 11 Old Calendar September 24
Why they are a saint
While a young married woman, she committed adultery with another man. Seized by remorse, she fled her husband’s house, dressed herself as a man, renamed herself Theodore, and entered a men’s monastery, pretending to be a eunuch. “Theodore“‘s fasts, prayers, vigils and tears amazed “his” brethren. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Theodora of Alexandria as a patron when they bear the name Theodora at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on September 11. As a monastic, she is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Theodora of Alexandria, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.