Theodora and Didymus

Theodora and Didymus († 304) were Christian martyrs. Her story was recorded by Ambrose of Milan. Your Catholic feast day is April 28 ( Orthodox: April 27th).

Life and death

The beautiful Christian Theodora lived in Alexandria. Because of her vow of chastity, she was condemned by the Roman governor Proculus, to prostitute in a brothel the temple. Her admirer, the soldier Didymus, also a Christian, visited Theodora to help her escape. In the soldiers' uniforms Theodora managed to escape. Didymus, however, was sentenced to death. Theodora offered her life for that of Didymus. Ultimately, both were beheaded.

Theodora and Didymus in art

Pierre Corneille wrote in 1645 the tragedy Theodora, but moved the action to Antioch. The piece was a failure.

George Frideric Handel composed the oratorio Theodora in 1749. This piece was a failure.