St. the first Martyr and exactly with the apostles Thecla; St. Cuv. Siluan the Athonitetranslated

Orthodox calendar, September 24 Holy Great Martyr, just like the Apostles, Thecla He was born in the first Christian century in the city of Iconium, the capital of Lycaonia, 420 km from Constantinople. Onesiphorus and the Holy Apostles Paul and Barnabas preached here.

Saint Thecla is named exactly like the Apostles due to the zeal she showed in preaching the Savior Jesus Christ and her love for Him.

Thecla was the daughter of rich pagan people. At the age of 18, she was engaged to Tamir, the son of a city governor, and Saint Methodius, Bishop of Patara - Lycia (311) said about her: "she was knowledgeable in philosophy and fine arts and when she spoke with power and eloquence, gentleness and ease, she attracted everyone with the charm of her words".

Arriving in the city of Iconium, the Holy Apostle Barnabas and the Holy Apostle Paul stayed in the house of Onesiphorus to preach the word of our Lord Jesus Christ in this city as well.

Hearing about them, the Holy Martyr Thecla stopped at the window of the house where they were preaching and stayed for three days listening to the word of the Apostles.

The Holy Apostle Paul is imprisoned due to the accusations brought by the mother of Saint Thecla.…