Saint Theodora Vasta

St. Theodora was the oldest daughter of a very poor and pious family and lived in a village of Peloponesse, named Vasta. The amount of money required to pay a mercenary was too much for her family's means, and her father was unable to take part in battle. So Theodora at the age of 17 decided to impersonate as a man and to participate in the army of her village. A young girl could not resist the charm of the young soldier (Theodora) and so fell in love with him. Theodora didn't want to betray her secret because it would expose her whole family. Theodora's constant refusal led the young girl to declare that Theodora was the one who got her pregnant and he should marry her. The refusal of Theodora, who didn't want to reveal her secret, in this particular marriage, only allowed her to be sentenced to death for dishonoring the young girl. So it happened. She was led out of the village and executed. As she passed out, she said: ''Make, Lord, my years become trees and my blood water to water them''. And suddenly, a stream formed with rushing water. A few centuries later, around the 12th century, a small church was built at this spot in memory of St. Theodora where her remains were transferred and buried. With the completion of this small church, 17 trees grew on its roof as many as the years of St. Theodora when she was killed. Her feast day is on September 11.