Saint Elpis, Our Patron Saint

Saint Elpis About Saint Elpis

Saint Elpis—whose Greek name means “Hope”—was the ten‑year‑old middle daughter of the pious widow Saint Sophia (Wisdom), and sister of Pistis (Faith) and Agape (Love). During the reign of Hadrian (117‑138 AD), the three sisters did not hide their faith, but openly confessed their love for Christ in public. Called before the Emperor in Rome, Elpis strengthened her sisters in their resolve, telling the prefect Antiochus that their hope rested entirely in God. After enduring savage beatings and torture, she was beheaded and thus received the incorruptible crown of martyrdom. Hadrian allowed their mother to bury the bodies of her daughters, where she remained at their graves, praying to God to take her. After three days in prayer, she was peacefully reunited with her daughters in Heaven. Their joint feast is September 17.

Apolytikion in the Fifth Tone

You blossomed in the courts of the Lord as a fruitful olive tree,
holy martyr Sophia; in your contest you offered to Christ the sweet fruit of your womb—
your daughters Faith, Hope, and Love.
Together with them intercede for us all. 

Kontakion in the First Tone

The holy branches of noble Sophia—Faith, Hope, and Love—
confounded Greek sophistry through grace.
They struggled and won the victory
and have received an incorruptible crown from Christ, the Master of all.

Sources

Life and hymns of Saint Sophia and her daughters from the Orthodox Church in America: oca.org/saints/lives/…
Kontakia and additional details from the GOARCH Online Chapel: parish.goarch.org/…