In the early spring of 307 in Phoenician Tyre, the authorities executed a seventeen-year-old girl who refused to renounce the Christian faith. This city was located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea — where today the territory of Lebanon is located.
The arrest took place on Easter Day. Theodosius came to the building of the praetorium, where convicted believers were detained. She asked them to remember her when they came before God. The guards regarded this conversation as a violation and handed over the girl to the city ruler named Urvan.
The official demanded a sacrifice in honor of the pagan gods.
Theodosia refused. Torture followed: the executioners used metal hooks that tore the skin and flesh. The girl didn’t change her mind. Urvan ordered her to be drowned by tying a stone to her feet. According to church tradition, she survived. Then the convict was placed in a cage with wild animals, but they did not harm her. Eventually Feodosia was beheaded.
Before the execution, the parents tried to convince the daughter. According to legend, after her death, she appeared to them at night — in white robes, with a cross and a crown — and reproached them for almost depriving her of this fate.
Subsequently, the relics of the saint were transported to Constantinople, and then to Venice.
The date of this transfer, May 29, is marked separately by the church.
Memorial Days
April 16
May 29th — transfer of relics
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
