SAINT DOROTHEA

Saint Dorothea was a young Virgin whose parents were martyred before her. Because of her faith, she was martyred and beheaded about the year 300 AD, under the cruel Emperor Diocletian. While she was being questioned, one of her judges mocked her by telling her to send him roses and apples from the garden of the Heavenly Bridegroom of whom she spoke. She promised to grant his request. On the day of St. Dorothea's martyrdom, although it was midwinter, the flowers and fruit—three roses and three apples—were mysteriously delivered to the judge.

St. Dorothea is the Patroness of Gardens: her feast Day is February Sixth.