The Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope and Love and Their Mother, Saint Sophia | Miniature icon | Size: 2,5" x 3,5" |

The Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope and Love were born in Italy. Their mother, Saint Sofia, was a widow and pious Christian. She called her daughters in honor of the three Christian virtues, Sofia brought up them to love the Lord Jesus Christ. Saint Sophia and her daughters did not conceal their faith in Christ and opening confessed their faith.  A vicar named Antioch, informed Emperor Hadrian( 117-138 ) about the pious women, who in turn ordered to bring them to Rome.

Understanding why they were being lead to the emperor, the holy virgins prayed fervently to the Lord Jesus Christ, asking him to give them strength to withstand the inevitable suffering and death. When the holy maidens along with their mother, appeared before the emperor, all those present were astonished to see them so calm and at peace: it almost seemed as if they were invited to a marvelous feast, rather than torture. The Emperor began to call the sister one by one and urged them to offer sacrifice to the goddess Artemida.