Saint Sophia, a devout Christian widow from Italy, named her daughters Faith (age 12), Hope (10), and Love (9), after the three Christian virtues. She raised them in the love of Christ, and together they openly professed their faith.

When an official named Antiochus reported them to Emperor Hadrian (117–138), they were summoned to Rome. Knowing the trials ahead, the holy virgins prayed for strength to endure suffering without fear. Before the emperor, their calm and joyful demeanor astonished all. Hadrian urged each girl to sacrifice to the goddess Artemis, but they firmly refused.

In response, they were brutally tortured—burned, thrown into fire and boiling tar—but God preserved them. The youngest, Love, was beaten until her body was covered in wounds. Throughout their suffering, the sisters remained faithful and glorified Christ.

Sophia was forced to watch their torment, yet stood strong, encouraging her daughters to remain true to their Heavenly Bridegroom. In the end, all three were beheaded, accepting death with peace and courage.

The emperor allowed Sophia to take their bodies. She buried them on a hill outside the city, remained in prayer at their graves for three days, and then peacefully gave her soul to God. Though not tortured herself, she received a martyr’s crown through her deep suffering.

The relics of the holy martyrs have been venerated in the Church of Esho in El’zasa since the year 777.

Troparion — Tone 4

The Church celebrates and rejoices / in the feast of the three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love / and their Mother Sophia, named for her wisdom: / For in them she gave birth to the three godly virtues. / Now they eternally behold their bridegroom, God the Word. / Let us rejoice spiritually in their memory and cry: / O our three Heavenly Protectors, / establish, confirm and strengthen us / in Faith, Hope and Love.

Troparion — Tone 5

You blossomed in the courts of the Lord / as a fruitful olive tree, / holy martyr Sophia; / in your contest you offered to Christ the sweet fruit of your womb, / your daughters Faith, Hope, and Love. / Together with them intercede for us all.

Kontakion — Tone 1

The holy branches of noble Sophia, / Faith, Hope, and Love, / confounded Greek sophistry through Grace. / They struggled and won the victory / and have been granted an incorruptible crown by Christ the Master of all.