St Thecla was born in Konia and was a follower of St Paul. She turned to Christianity and was the first woman martyr for her faith.
She travelled with St Paul to Antioch, where someone tried to rape her. She repelled him by tearing his cloak and destroying his crown; therefore, she was condemned to be eaten by wild animals. She was saved by a miracle when the female tigers protected her from the male animals.
St Thecla spent the rest of her life in the village of Malula in Syria. She performed many miracles as a healer but was always persecuted. Once, as her persecutors were catching up with her, she prayed to God for help, and a cave opened up in front of her. She went in, and the cave closed behind her.
Even today, the pilgrims at Malula visit the famous cave, which is now a pilgrimage site. A nunnery dedicated to St Thecla is in Mosfiloti village in Cyprus. The holy water there is supposed to have healing powers, especially for skin boils.
© Costas and Rita Severis Foundation
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