St. Theoclia
On the 11th day of the Coptic month of Bashons we celebrate the life of St Theoclia, wife to St Justus.
In his morbid march against Christians, the Roman Emperor Diocletian had sent St Justus and Theoclia to the Governor of Alexandria. Who separated them, sending St. Justus to Antinoe, where he was martyred, and sending Theoclia to Sa El-Hagar.
When the Governor there met her, he marvelled at her fortitude and resolve. He was astonished by her will to leave the kingdom preferring to die instead. At first, he tried to persuade her, but she refused to accept his flowery words saying: "I have left my kingdom, accepted the separation of my husband whom I have known since my youth, and I have been comforted by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So what could you give me?" Enraged by her resolve, he ordered her to be beaten until her flesh was torn and then placed her in prison.
The angel of the Lord appeared to her, comforted and strengthened her. When the prisoners witnessed her wounds being healed miraculously, they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, and they all received the crown of martyrdom. The Governor ordered her beheaded and she received the crown of martyrdom. Some believers came, paid the soldier silver, took her body, shrouded and placed it in a coffin until the end of the Days of Persecution.
Lessons from this story
Daniel said to the steward in charge of him, “Please test your servants for ten days and let them feed us vegetables to eat and water to drink, then let our appearance be examined..” (Daniel 1:12-13) In the king’s court all ate and drank merrily, without a care in the world. But when Daniel refused to partake of this, the steward was afraid his king would be angry. So for ten days Daniel and his companions ate vegetables and water, while the others in the stewards' care ate the king’s delicacies with wine. The steward marvelled at their bright countenance compared to the shallow faces of the others.
St Theoclia represented the same bright countenance as Daniel. Feasting not on the world, but only on the nourishment of Jesus Christ. Truly, what could this poor governor give her to match? Even the emperor is poor in comparison to the riches of Christ.
We never know how many lives we impact with our daily struggles against the world’s vices. Though the bible tells us to fast in private, and always present a pleasant appearance, so as to not draw attention to our efforts. But people notice. Some may ask, many will not. We live our life for God. Being Christian is meaning to be Christ-like. For in us is the firm knowledge that everything of this world will fail us utterly, but when we are sustained on the nourishments of God’s Grace, a single drop is like a feast.

Prayer
God help us to be blinded to the luxuries of this life, but to be focused on that ever narrowing bridge that leads to eternal life. May the prayers and intercessions of St Theoclia be with us all, amen.