St. Theodota at Nicea   Commemorated on September 17  The Holy
Martyr Theodota, a native of Cappadocia, suffered in the city of
Nicea during the reign of Emperor Alexander Severus (222-235).
Governor Symblicius was told that a rich woman named Theodota
was confessing Christ. Summoning her, he urged her to turn from
the true Faith. Seeing the futility of his attempts, he gave
Theodota over to torture. They suspended her and began to rake
her with iron hooks, but she did not feel any pain. They then
put her in chains and led her away to a prison cell.  After
eight days, upon leading her to new tortures, only faint traces
of the tortures already endured remained on her body. The
governor was amazed and asked, “Who are you?” The saint
answered, “Your mind is darkened, but if you were sober, then
you would have realized that I am Theodota.”  Governor
Symblicius commanded the martyr be cast into a red-hot furnace.
Flames shot out and scorched those standing nearby, while those
remaining unharmed shut the furnace an