Episode 1839: St Dorothy

Saint Dorothy, also known as Saint Dorothea, is a Christian martyr whose life is surrounded by legend and tradition. She is venerated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. However, due to the scarcity of historical records, much of her biography is based on hagiographical accounts and religious traditions.

According to tradition, Saint Dorothy lived during the 3rd century in Caesarea, a city in the Roman province of Syria (present-day Israel). She was born into a noble Christian family, but details about her early life are scant.

The most famous account of Saint Dorothy's life revolves around her martyrdom for her Christian faith. It is said that during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Saint Dorothy was arrested and brought before the Roman governor, Sapricius, for refusing to renounce her Christian beliefs.

In defiance of the governor's orders to offer sacrifices to Roman gods, Saint Dorothy professed her faith in Christ and refused to recant. In retaliation, she was subjected to various forms of torture, including scourging and imprisonment. Despite the suffering inflicted upon her, Saint Dorothy remained steadfast in her faith.

While imprisoned, Saint Dorothy was visited by the pagan lawyer Theophilus, who mocked her and taunted her faith. In response, Saint Dorothy told him that she would send him apples and roses from the garden of paradise. This statement is often depicted in artwork and is central to her legend.

An angel miraculously appeared to Saint Dorothy in her prison cell, bringing her heavenly fruits and flowers. When Theophilus came to witness this miracle, he was astounded and immediately converted to Christianity. This conversion angered Governor Sapricius, who ordered Saint Dorothy to be executed.

Saint Dorothy was ultimately martyred, likely by beheading, around the year 303 AD. Her courage, faith, and the miraculous events surrounding her martyrdom have made her a beloved figure in Christian tradition.

Saint Dorothy's feast day is celebrated on February 6th in the Roman Catholic Church and on February 6th or 5th (depending on the calendar used) in the Eastern Orthodox Church. She is often depicted in religious art holding a basket of fruit or flowers, symbolizing the heavenly gifts she promised to send to Theophilus. Throughout the centuries, Saint Dorothy has been revered as a patron saint of gardeners, florists, brides, and those who face persecution for their faith.