St. Dorothy of Caesarea

February 6

Virgin and martyr, Dorothea of Caesarea was persecuted during the persecution of Diocletian, 6 February, 311, at Caesarea in Cappadocia. She was brought before the prefect Sapricius, tried, tortured, and sentenced to death. On her way to the place of execution the pagan lawyer Theophilus said to her in mockery: "Bride of Christ, send me some fruits from your bridegroom's garden." Before she was executed, she sent him, by a six-year-old boy, her headdress which was found to be filled with a heavenly fragrance of roses and fruits. Theophilus at once confessed himself a Christian, was put on the rack, and suffered death. This is the oldest version of the legend, which was later variously enlarged. Saint Dorothy is often depicted as a virgin carrying a basket of flowers, sometimes with fruit, also depicted wearing a crown of roses; depicted surrounded by stars as she kneels before the executioner; crowned with palm, referring to the martyr's palm; surrounded by stars; depicted in an enclosed garden or an orchard with the Christ Child in an apple tree; leading the Christ Child by the hand; veiled with flowers in her lap; depicted holding apples from heaven on a branch.