with her the possible suitors. All their efforts were met with
resolute refusal for she had set her heart on higher service.
- When she received her heritage she used it to build a
church on the outskirts of Alexandria, and on its top she built
a room for herself. Following an ascetic lifestyle, she ate
frugally and wore simple clothes; and spent her time feeding
the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick, the
stranger and the imprisoned. The more the needy came to
her, the greater was her charity.
After many years, she entreated Abba Athanasius to
consecrate her as a nun. On examination, he also honoured
her with the Schema. This investiture so flooded her with
Divine Grace that she was counted worthy of heavenly
visions and of discerning spirits. In addition, she was given
insight into the human soul, enabling her to succour all who
sought her help in conquering their inward conflicts. - After years of such devoted service Theodora was
elected Amma (mother) to many sisters in a convent near
Alexandria. She taught them in earnestness and meekness of
soul; maintaining that prayer, fasting and love were the only
weapons of God's Athletes against the assaults of evil.
Throughout her long life, she strove to the utmost to
keep aflame the Torch of Christian love and service.^7