Today, September 17, the Church commemorates Saint Sophia and her three daughters, Faith, Hope and Agape.
Hagia Sophia and her three daughters Faith, Hope and Agape were martyred in the years of Emperor Hadrian (117 – 138 AD). The three daughters of Hagia Sophia took their names from the passage of the New Testament: “And now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”. (1 Corinthians. 13:13)
Hagia Sophia, an honest and God-fearing woman, quickly became widowed and came to Rome with her three daughters. There they were denounced as famous Christians. The emperor was then informed that the four women were Christians and ordered their arrest.
After isolating the mother, they began interrogating the daughters. The twelve-year-old Faith was first presented to the king. With tempting arguments, Andrianos tried to persuade Faith to deny Jesus Christ and as a reward he would give her everything in order to live a happy life but he faced the rigid mind of the young woman.
The words of the Bible were a dynamic response of Faith: “I live inspired by my faith in Jesus Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for my salvation.” Then, after torture, she was beheaded.
Also in the words of the Bible, the ten-year-old Hope answered, when asked if she deserves to be subjected to such torture: “yes, because we have based our hopes on the living God, who is the savior of all people, especially of the faithful.” Immediately then she was beheaded.
But the nine-year-old Agape did not lag behind in answer either. She said that her existence is directed “in the love of God and in the patience of Jesus Christ.” Of course, it was not long before they beheaded her as well.
Proud of her children, Sophia buried her daughters with honors and remained in their graves for three days, begging God to take her to him. God heard her prayer and Sophia surrendered her spirit next to the graves of her children.
Source: Metropolis of Zambia