Saint Theodora the Queen of Arta

St. Theodora was born in 1210 in Serbia of Kozani and after her father's death she was taken under protection by Theodoros Aggelos Komninos, ruler of Epirus. In 1230 he gave away his throne to his nephew Michael II. He met Theodora and asked her to marry him. When they were married, Theodora moved to Arta where she became queen. Theodora was very religious and Michael enjoyed the carnal relationships; so Theodora was forced to withdraw. Michael II fell in love with Gaggrini, a local woman of high society. He brought her to the Royal Courtyard and had 2 sons. Theodora abandon the palace and was wondering for 5 years on the mountains of Tzoumerka. A priest from Prenista took her in and offered her a shelter. The people of Arta demanded from Michael II to take Theodora back and Gaggrini was forced to leave the royal courtyard. The royal couple had 4 children.  Michael II founded the monastery of Kato Panagia, the monastery of Panagia Vlahernon and the monastery of Saint George, where Theodora retreated after Michael's death in 1270. She died in this monastery in 1280. Her feast day is on March 11 and is the patron saint of the city of Arta.