On this day, June 9 according to the Julian Calendar (June 22 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Thekla, Martha, and Mary, who suffered martyrdom in Persia around 346 AD.
The Holy Martyrs Thekla, Martha, and Mary were Persian Christian women who gave their lives for Christ during the great persecution of Christians in Persia under King Shapur II (309–379 AD). This persecution was one of the most severe in the history of the Persian church, claiming tens of thousands of martyrs over several decades.
Thekla, Martha, and Mary were seized by the Persian authorities for their Christian faith. They refused to renounce Christ or offer sacrifice to the Persian gods. With great courage and steadfastness, they endured torments and were finally put to death for the holy faith.
Their martyrdom took place around 346 AD, during the height of Shapur’s persecution. They join the great company of Persian martyrs who bore witness to Christ under conditions of extreme cruelty and hardship, strengthening the Church in Persia by the example of their faithfulness unto death.
May the intercessions of the Holy Martyrs Thekla, Martha, and Mary be with us all.