- Orthodox Remembrance Day: September 24
- Name means: Glory to God (Greek)
- Messenger of Faith, Martyr
- Patroness: the dying; against eye ailments, plague, snakes, wild animals, fire hazards; for the recovery of man and animal
- Attributes: half-naked tied to stake; lion, pyre, bears, snakes; with Paul
- Born around 35 in Iconium, today Konya, Turkey
- Died in the 1st century in Iconium, today Konya, Turkey
Thekla is said to have been the beautiful daughter of rich parents and highly educated. She is considered a disciple of the Apostle Paul. In the house of Aniseferus in her hometown, she heard him preach, was converted and was baptized by him. According to medieval legends, she refused to marry her fiancé, whereupon he and her own mother reported her to the governor persecuting the Christians. Thekla was sentenced to death by fire, but a rain extinguished the flames and an earthquake caused all bystanders to flee.
