Nadja | Nadezhda | Spes

● Orthodox Remembrance Day: September 17
● Name means: the hope (Latin.)
● Martyr
● Born in Milan, Italy
● Died around 130 in Rome
Sophia, a wealthy Christian widow, is said to have distributed her belongings to the poor of
Milan after her husband’s death. She then left the city and proceeded towards Rome, determined
to become a martyr. Her three daughters, Fides, Spes, and Caritas, accompanied her on this
journey. Unfortunately, under the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the daughters were accused and met
with a gruesome death after enduring unimaginable torture. After burying her daughters on
September 30 in the catacombs of Callistus, Sophia met with a similar fate as she was also
beheaded.
However, certain directories of martyr sites provide slightly different information regarding the
burial of Sophia and her daughters. They suggest that the four were laid to rest under a Greek
name on the Via Aurelia, beneath the current Church of San Pancrazio. It is worth noting that
this church serves as the final resting place for a different, otherwise unknown Sophia.
Nevertheless, the legend surrounding Sophia and her daughters seeks to clarify what Paul
explained in the High Song of Love, namely that “in eternity, I will fully know” (Sophia being
the symbol of Wisdom). Paul goes on to emphasize the importance of faith (Agenzia Fides),
hope (Spes), and love (Caritas) in the present world.
It is important to note, however, that this legend lacks historical weight and does not provide a
factual account of events. Nonetheless, it has been translated into several languages and
summoned widely. As per tradition, numerous relics were transferred to the Convent of Eschau
in Alsace in 778, thereby heralding the spread of the cult to Germany.