The Monastic Martyr Philothea was born in Athens in 1522. Her parents, Syriga and Angelos Benizelos, were renowned not only for being eminent and rich but also deeply devout. Syriga had prayed fervently to the Most Holy Theotokos for a child, and her prayers were answered with the birth of a daughter, whom they named Revoula.
Revoula was raised in piety and faith, but at the age of twelve, she was married to a cruel and impious man who mistreated her. Despite the abuse, she endured it patiently and prayed for her husband’s conversion. After three years, her husband passed away, and she devoted herself to a life of fasting, prayer, and vigil.
Saint Philothea then founded a women’s monastery in honor of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called. She was the first to take monastic vows, assuming the name Philothea. Living during the period of the Turkish Yoke in Greece, she used her resources to ransom many Greek women enslaved by the Turks.
When four women sought refuge in her monastery after fleeing from their Turkish masters, Saint Philothea was taken prisoner and beaten by the Turks. Despite the threats and violence, she refused to renounce her faith in Christ and was miraculously rescued by a gathering of Christians.
Returning to her monastery, Saint Philothea continued her ascetic practices and founded another monastery in Patesia. She was known for her miracles and spiritual gifts. During the Vigil for Saint Dionysius the Areopagite, she was captured and tortured by the Turks, ultimately succumbing to her injuries on February 19, 1589.
Saint Philothei’s life of piety and selflessness made her a patron of Athens. She was renowned for her generosity and care for the oppressed, and her memory is honored to this day.