St. Penelope the Martyr icon

Orthodox icon of Saint Penelope.

Commemorated September 1st.

Saint Penelope was one of the Holy Forty Virgin Martyrs. The forty women virgin martyrs lived in Thrace around 305 AD and they were disciples of Deacon Ammoun. They struggled, prayed, held vigils and fasted daily. When they all refused to sacrifice to his idols, Roman Emperor Licinius, sought their destruction. He tortured them many times over, and then ordered them all to be put to death.