During the reign of Emperor Hadrian in Rome, there lived a widow named Sophia, which means wisdom. She was a Christian and gave birth to three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love. After the death of her husband, Sophia continued to live piously, raising her daughters in Christian virtues.
As the daughters grew older, their beauty and wisdom attracted the attention of the governor of Antioch, who informed Emperor Hadrian about them. The emperor summoned them, and they boldly confessed their faith in Christ. Sophia, wisely responding, glorified Christ and betrothed her daughters to Him.
Seeing their courage, the emperor sent them to a woman named Palladia to watch over them. Sophia continued to strengthen her daughters in faith, preparing them for martyrdom. On the third day, they were brought before the emperor, who tried to persuade them to worship idols, but they refused, declaring their unity with God.
The first daughter, Faith, was subjected to cruel tortures, but she endured her sufferings steadfastly. She was beheaded, and her mother rejoiced that her daughter completed her feat. Then Hope, following her sister's example, also accepted martyrdom, not renouncing her faith.
Finally, the youngest daughter, Love, was subjected to tortures, but, by God's grace, remained unharmed even in the fire. She was also beheaded, and her mother, receiving the bodies of her daughters, buried them with honor.
Sophia, left without her daughters, prayed for them and soon fell asleep in the Lord, joining them in eternal life. Thus, she and her daughters became martyrs for Christ, glorified in the Heavenly Kingdom.
