3rd–4th century
Holy Martyr Athanasia and her three daughters Theoctiste, Theodote and Eudoxia
A Christian mother who, according to tradition, was arrested with her three daughters in Egypt and martyred with them under Diocletian, encouraged by Saints Cyrus and John.
Biography
Athanasia, a widow, was arrested in Egypt during the persecution of Diocletian together with her three daughters, Theodota, Theoctiste and Eudoxia. The unmercenary healers Cyrus and John, learning of their arrest, hurried to encourage them, fearing they might weaken before the tortures.
Before the governor, Athanasia strengthened her daughters, telling them that bodily beauty is fleeting, while they replied that they were glad to be leaving the world together with their mother for the love of Christ.
All four were martyred in 292, in the same period as Cyrus and John, who had hastened to support them.