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Saint Theoctiste, Daughter of Athanasia

Martyr
Canopus near Alexandria
Feast day: January 31

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

Theoctiste was a daughter of Athanasia and the sister of Theodota and Eudoxia. The family was arrested near Alexandria during the persecution under Diocletian, and Cyrus and John visited to encourage them. Theoctiste, remembered as fifteen years old, suffered martyrdom with her mother and sisters at Canopus.

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

A reflection

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