4th century
The Seven Virgin-Martyrs of Ancyra
Seven virgins martyred at Ancyra, among them Julia.
Biography
These holy virgins came from Ancyra in Galatia and had dedicated themselves to the service of the Gospel, helping the poor and leading pagan women to the Christian faith. They were denounced for this work and refused to sacrifice to the idols.
The governor of Ancyra, Theoteknos, handed them over to soldiers to be violated, but since they remained pure he had them all drowned in a nearby lake. Among them was Julia.
According to tradition, Theodotos, nephew of one of the women, recovered their bodies at night and buried them; when this was discovered, he refused to deny Christ and was beheaded, leaving behind a widow and orphaned children.