By Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria
Today we celebrate the memory of Holy martyr Theodota and her three young children, who became an example of holy family and became the epitome of heroism and strong faith.
Saint Theodota, who was born in Nicea, Bithynia, lived during the years of Iconoclasm and had to overcome many hardships. After the death of her husband, she was a vulnerable widow with three children.
She raised her children as Orthodox and taught them to respect and devote themselves to the Orthodox tradition. That was difficult and dangerous at the time of the war on sacred icons.
She and her three sons fought vigorously against the iconoclasts. Thus they were captured and were brutally tormented. With their determination and steadfastness, they received deservedly the crown of the Kingdom of Heaven.
SOURCE: Church of Cyprus