Patron SaintSaint library
The saint library

Saint Athanasia of Canopus

Martyr
Canopus near Alexandria
Feast day: January 31

Group icon: Athanasia of Canopus with her daughters Theodota, Eudoxia and Theoctiste.
Group icon: Athanasia of Canopus with her daughters Theodota, Eudoxia and Theoctiste. Image source: Holy Metropolis of Oropos and Phyle — Iconological Synaxarion

A life of faith

Athanasia was arrested with her daughters Theoctiste, Theodota and Eudoxia near Alexandria during the persecution under Diocletian. Cyrus and John came from Arabia to encourage the family. Athanasia and her daughters suffered martyrdom at Canopus, as did the two men who had visited them.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Offer steady support to a family facing illness, loss or uncertainty.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.

Discover saints through the quiz