Saint Theodora of Alexandria commemorated on September 11

September 11 marks the name day of Saint Theodora of Alexandria. According to religious tradition, Theodora lived in Alexandria during the reign of Emperor Zeno (474–491 AD).

Following a period of personal regret, Theodora sought to atone for her past actions by disguising herself as a man and entering a monastery under the name Theodore. She became known for her intense devotion, hard work, and strict adherence to monastic rules.

During her time in the monastery, she faced significant hardships, including false accusations of misconduct. To protect her identity and avoid scandal, she endured these slanders and lived in poverty while caring for an abandoned infant. Her true identity as a woman was only revealed to the monastic community upon her death.