The Holy Apostles Paul and Barnabas, preaching the Gospel, came to Iconium and settled with Onesiphorus. They boldly preached the Word of God, turning people to faith in Jesus Christ. Among them was an eighteen-year-old maiden Thecla, who, having heard the teaching of the Apostles, believed in Christ and decided to preserve her virginity for Him. Thecla's mother, Theoclia, and her fiancé, Phamyr, tried to turn her away from the faith, but she left them for the sake of her heavenly Bridegroom.
Thecla secretly came to Paul in prison, where he was imprisoned for his preaching. Paul instructed her in faith and chastity, and she became his spiritual daughter. After Thecla was captured and brought before the prince, she refused her fiancé and was sentenced to be burned. However, when she was thrown into the fire, she remained unharmed, and the fire did not touch her.
The prince, seeing this miracle, released Thecla, and she went in search of Paul. Later, Thecla continued to preach and heal the sick, attracting many to the faith. She lived in the wilderness, where she performed miracles and healed ailments. Eventually, Thecla was pursued by lewd youths, but, praying to God, she was saved when the mountain parted and received her into its depths.
Saint Thecla passed away, leaving behind many miracles and strengthening the faith of many. She is glorified as a great martyr and guardian of chastity.
