The Life and Martyrdom of Saint Sophia and Her Three Holy Daughters, Faith, Hope, and Love

On September 17th, the Holy Orthodox Church commemorates the life and martyrdom of Saint Sophia and her three holy daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love (also known as Pistis, Elpis, and Agape in Greek). Their lives and sacrifices stand as a radiant example of unwavering devotion and strength, a testament to the power of faith and the promise of eternal life in Christ.

Saint Sophia was a pious widow who lived in Rome during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the early 2nd century. Her name, Sophia, means “Wisdom,” and she lived up to this name by instilling the true wisdom of faith and Christian virtue in her daughters from a very young age. Her daughters bore the names of the three Christian virtues: Faith (aged 12), Hope (aged 10), and Love (and aged 9 at the time of their martyrdom). Their names symbolized the highest Christian aspirations and foreshadowed the steadfastness of their faith.
They lived a quiet life of prayer and good works, nurturing their relationship with God and serving the local Christian community. However, their piety did not go unnoticed, and their reputation for sanctity soon reached the ears of the pagan authorities.

During a time when Christians were persecuted for their beliefs, Emperor Hadrian (117-138 A.D.) learned of their fervent faith and ordered that they be brought before him. Upon seeing the beauty and tender age of the young girls, Hadrian tried to persuade them to abandon their faith and offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, hoping to allure them with promises of wealth and status. But neither the emperor’s promises nor threats could shake their resolve.
Saint Sophia encouraged her daughters to remain steadfast, reminding them of the eternal glory that awaited them if they remained faithful to Christ. One by one, the young girls boldly proclaimed their faith in Christ, refusing to renounce Him.
In his fury, Hadrian ordered them to be tortured. The eldest, Faith, was the first to suffer. She was brutally scourged and burned with torches, yet she did not cry out but prayed fervently to Christ to grant her strength. Hope and Love witnessed their sister’s suffering but stood resolute, encouraged by their mother’s prayers and presence.
Next, Hope was subjected to similar torments, and then Love, the youngest, endured the same brutalities. The sight of such young and innocent children bearing unimaginable pain with serenity and joy confounded the onlookers and led many to question the cruelty of the emperor’s actions.
Eventually, the three daughters were beheaded, sealing their witness with their blood. Their mother, Saint Sophia, was not subjected to physical torture, but she endured a far greater suffering—witnessing the martyrdom of her beloved children.

Saint Sophia took the lifeless bodies of her daughters and buried them with honor on a high hill outside the city. For three days, she remained at their grave, praying and weeping, yet finding comfort in knowing that her daughters were now glorified with Christ. Her profound grief and exhaustion finally overcame her, and she peacefully gave up her soul to the Lord at their graveside.
Although she did not suffer physical martyrdom, Saint Sophia is venerated as a martyr because of the deep spiritual suffering she endured. Her unshakeable faith and the courage with which she encouraged her daughters in their hour of trial earned her a crown of eternal glory alongside them.

The holy martyrs Sophia, Faith, Hope, and Love have inspired countless generations of Christians to remain true to Christ, even in the face of suffering and death. They remind us that true wisdom is found in faith, that hope in Christ transcends all earthly promises, and that divine love is stronger than death.
Today, faithful Orthodox Christians venerate these holy martyrs, asking for their intercessions in times of trial and seeking to emulate their example of steadfastness and love for God. Their relics, which are preserved in various churches, continue to work miracles and inspire the faithful.
May we, through their prayers, acquire the wisdom of Sophia, the faith of Faith, the hope of Hope, and the love of Love, always striving to glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Troparion (Tone 4)
O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lambs doth cry with a great voice:
“O my Bridegroom, thee I love, and seeking thee, I now contest,
and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried.
I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee,
for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee.
Accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice.”
Lord, save our souls through her intercessions,
since Thou art great in mercy.
May the memory of the Holy Martyrs Sophia, Faith, Hope, and Love be eternal!