Day of Sofia — 17 September
Sofia was a pious Christian with three daughters who she named after the major Christian virtues — Vyara (Faith), Nadezhda (Hope) and Lyubov (Love). The girls were born in Rome at a time when the authorities persecuted mercilessly all who believed in Christ. The mother and her daughters however did not hide their beliefs and instead openly professed them. When emperor Adrian learned about them, he ordered his servants to bring the family before him.
Vyara was 12 years old, Nadezhda —10, and Lyubov — 9. On their way to the palace Sofia and her daughters sent ardent prayers to Jesus Christ to give them strength to not be afraid of the pain and death that awaited them. And indeed, when they stood in front of the emperor everyone was amazed how calm they were. Emperor Adrian called the sisters one by one and urged them to make a sacrifice to the goddess Artemis.
The girls however were adamant in their refusal. The emperor got angry and ordered that they be tortured but could not break their faith in Christ. Ultimately all three were beheaded. The emperor turned their bodies over to their mother and she buried them with honours on a hill outside town. Sofia remained by the grave and after three days of prayers she died with the belief that she would go to her daughters. The believers buried her with her daughters.
The Christian church honours Sofia as a martyr because in her heart she suffered the torture her three girls endured. Vyara, Nadezhda and Lyubov were pronounced protectors of children because they themselves suffered in the name of Christ when they were children. Since 777 the relics of the holy martyrs Sofia, Vyara, Nadezhda and Lyubov rest in peace in the town of Alsace, France.
Today's holiday is celebrated by people named after the martyrs and they welcome guests in their homes. On this day it is common in many houses to bake bread and give grapes or other fruit for health, happiness and love. The people sing songs and perform traditional ring dances. This day has been declared the holiday of our capital city Sofia whose name means "great wisdom" in Greek.
The day of the holy martyrs Sofia, Vyara, Nadezhda and Lyubov was declared the holiday of the town with a decision of the City Council on 25 March 1992.
Happy name day to all bearing these names and happy holiday to our beautiful capital Sofia!
