Saint Thecla of Iconium

Biography

Saint Thecla of Iconium, also known as Tecla, Tegla, and Tekla, holds a special place in the early Christian Church as the first-century convert from Iconium. Inspired by the teachings of Saint Paul the Apostle, she dedicated her life to God and became his spiritual student and invaluable assistant in his travels and apostolic works. Born in the first century in Iconium, which is present-day Konya in Turkey, Thecla grew up in a devout family. However, when she encountered the teachings of Saint Paul, her newfound faith conflicted with the beliefs her family held. Amidst this turmoil, her family expelled her from their home. Undeterred by the rejection of her family, Thecla resolved to pursue her commitment to Christ. She actively participated in the early Christian community and eagerly absorbed the teachings of Saint Paul. Thecla's deep devotion and unwavering faith soon caught the attention of those around her, as she became known for her profound spirituality and commitment to her Christian calling. Thecla's path as a follower of Christ was not without its trials. She faced persecution for her beliefs, enduring various attempts to extinguish her faith. The most famous of these trials involved being thrown to wild animals, a punishment commonly inflicted upon Christians in the Roman Empire. Miraculously, Thecla survived unharmed through divine intervention. Another perilous trial awaited Thecla when she was sentenced to be burned at the stake. However, with her unwavering faith and trust in God, she miraculously escaped the flames unscathed. These miraculous interventions only further solidified Thecla's status as a devout and exemplary martyr for the faith, despite surviving the attempts on her life. After enduring these intense hardships, Thecla chose to retire to a solitary life as a hermitess. Seeking the solace and solitude of a life devoted solely to prayer and contemplation, she withdrew from the world. Her example of a dedicated and solitary life inspired many to follow in her footsteps, seeking a similar life of piety and reflection. Although she survived the attempts on her life, Thecla is widely regarded as a martyr because of the great sufferings she endured for her faith. She is mentioned in the Prayers for the Dying, a testament to her revered status in the early Christian Church. Throughout the early Church, numerous apocryphal writings were created about Thecla, often centered around her extraordinary and miraculous experiences. These writings, while not included in the canonical Bible, reflect the deep admiration and veneration people held for this remarkable figure. Saint Thecla of Iconium passed away peacefully in the late first century, attributed to natural causes. She was buried in Seleucia, Pamphylia, located in Anatolia, modern-day Turkey. As a saint who predates the formal canonization process, Thecla is considered a pre-congregation saint. While she does not have a specific patronage, her life and witness continue to inspire countless individuals in their own spiritual journeys. Her feast days are celebrated on September 23rd, September 24th according to the Greek calendar, and also on different dates such as February 22nd, February 25th, September 12th, November 17th, December 20th, and December 21st on various calendars. Saint Thecla of Iconium stands as a shining example of unwavering faith, endurance in the face of persecution, and the power of God's grace to overcome all trials. Her life and legacy continue to inspire and offer comfort to Christians around the world.